Gee Whiz Roasted Red Pepper Spread

GEE WHIZ ROASTED RED PEPPER SPREAD

(adapted from Jo Stepaniak)

This is a play on “Cheez Whiz.” Try it, it is satisfyingly cheesy.

1 can white beans, drained (about 2 cups cooked beans)

½ cup pimiento or roasted red pepper pieces, drained

⅓ cup nutritional yeast flakes

1 tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp prepared yellow, brown or Dijon mustard

½ tsp salt

½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, but gives nice smoky taste)

Place all ingredients in a food processor fitted with the metal blade, and process until the mixture is completely smooth. The finished product should be thick, smooth, and creamy, with an orange color. Serve immediately, or put in storage container and chill.

Nutritional yeast is a powder/flake substance available in bulk at natural food stores; it may be available in a jar under the Bragg’s or Red Star name brand, or in a bag under the Bob’s Red Mill name, at supermarkets. It’s high in minerals and B vitamins and has a delicious cheesy flavor. Don’t confuse with baker’s or brewer’s yeast.

Smoked paprika is available in the bulk section at natural food stores, and may be found with the herbs and spices at your supermarket.