White Bean Dip

Directions

1. 1
   Put the beans in a food processor with the garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and cumin.
2. 2
   Turn the machine on and process until the mixture is smooth, stopping and scraping down the sides if necessary and adding a bit more bean liquid or olive oil if necessary.
3. 3
   Taste and adjust the seasoningadd more garlic, salt, pepper, or cumin if you likethen transfer to a bowl.
4. 4
   Add lemon juice a tablespoon at a time, until quite tart, then garnish with the chopped shallot if you like.
5. 5
   Use immediately or refrigerate for a day or two.
6. 6
   Bring back to room temperature before serving.
7. 7
   Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with a little more cumin (or some paprika) before serving.