Caramelized Onion Dip with Mixed Crudites

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped into small dice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or to taste
1 cup white kidney beans, unsalted, mashed to a paste
4 ounces goat cheese, soft, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste
1/4 teaspoon red or cayenne pepper or to taste, substitute paprika for a less spicy dip
3 tablespoons basil leaves, chopped and a sprig for garnish

Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally until the onion softens and becomes a light golden brown color. This will take between 20-30 minutes.
Meanwhile, add all the remaining ingredients except the basil, into a medium bowl and mash to integrate the cheese with the beans. Taste and adjust seasonings. At this point you can add some cayenne pepper if you like spicy food.
When the onions are soft and caramelized, allow them to cool then fold them into the bowl, along with the chopped basil.
Transfer the dip to a serving dish and sprinkle lightly with cayenne pepper or paprika, as desired. Garnish with a basil sprig and serve with lots of crunchy crudites.
This recipe does not meet the MHealthy Nutrition Guidelines. 1/2018

Nutrition Information