A Quick and Easy Bean Dip or Bean Spread

Here are instructions for a quick and easy bean concoction, which can be used as a dip or as a spread on sandwiches:

Drain and rinse a can of beans (any variety is fine). Put beans into a bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher until desired consistency is achieved. Add seasonings (your choice!)—salt, pepper, chopped parsley, dried rosemary, minced garlic, cumin powder, olive oil, hot sauce, tahini, lemon juice, etc.—and mix to combine. Taste and reseason accordingly.

As a dip, serve with chips and/or vegetables. For sandwiches, how about a vegetarian special of the bean spread, cheese, avocado, tomatoes and some greens?

Of the canned brands, Eden (organic) is my favorite (and free of BPA), but the most expensive. There are other organic brands that are about half the price and only a few cents more than conventional beans (containing pesticides).