WHITE BEAN DIP WITH GARLIC

2 cans (15 oz each) small white beans*
5 garlic cloves, peeled
2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly-ground black pepper (to taste)
1 Roma tomato, seeded, diced (for garnish)
2 large bags pita bread chips (or 4 small bags bagel chips) (for serving)

Rinse beans under cold running water in a colander and allow to drain.

Place garlic cloves in a food processor fitted with the metal blade or in a blender and mince. Add beans and process to puree.

Add lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper, and puree until mixture forms a good consistency for dipping. Taste and add more oil, lemon juice, salt, or pepper as desired.

Place in a serving bowl, and garnish with diced tomato. Accompany with pita bread chips or bagel chips.

*For canned beans use small navy beans, cannellini beans, or small lima beans.

Makes 2 cups.
Source: The Basic Gourmet Entertains by Diane Morgan, Dan Taggart, and Kathleen Taggart