Julia Child's Brandade a LA Soissonaise

Ingredients

• 1 can white beans
• 20 leaves fresh basil
• 1 1/2 T fresh lemon juice, or more
• 1/4 cup Tahini paste
• 2 tsp. minced garlic, or more
• Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
• 2 T olive oil
• Chopped parsley for garnish, optional

Directions

1. Pour the white beans into a colander set in the sink. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water, then leave them to drain for at least 5 minutes.
2. As the beans drain, rinse the basil leaves and dry them in a salad spinner or with paper towels. Transfer the basil to the food processor and pulse until it is coarsely chopped.
3. Add the drained beans, fresh lemon juice, tahini paste, and minced garlic. Process until the beans are smoothly pureed, about 1 minute.
4. Once the mixture is blended, drizzle in the olive oil through the feed tube, adding 1 T at a time.
5. Taste and decide whether it needs more lemon juice. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper, then pulse briefly to combine.
6. Top with fresh herbs if you like, and serve with pita bread, veggies, or crackers.