White bean hummus with red onions and radicchio — how to make

More than five years ago, I shared this white bean hummus with red onions and radicchio recipe on my blog. A dish rooted in simplicity, seasonality, and deep flavour. You can find the original post here:
https://antonettasantagata.com/2021/02/white-bean-hummus-with-red-onions-and-radicchio/

Returning to it now, it feels just as relevant. Perhaps even more so. This is the kind of food that sits at the heart of Cibo & Vino: honest, seasonal recipes that honour both nourishment and pleasure.

White beans are one of the most generous ingredients we have. Naturally rich in plant-based protein, fibre, and essential minerals, they support steady energy and gentle digestion. It is no surprise that healthy bean recipes have been part of traditional kitchens for centuries. They sustain, comfort and satisfy in equal measure.

Radicchio, one of winter’s most beautiful seasonal vegetables, brings contrast and vitality. Its gentle bitterness stimulates digestion and supports liver function, while its vibrant colour signals a wealth of antioxidants. Right now, during the colder months in Switzerland and across Europe, radicchio is in full season. Crisp, expressive and at its very best. Cooking with ingredients at their peak is at the core of seasonal cooking, and a principle deeply aligned with the Slow Food philosophy.

This dish is a perfect example of how seasonal winter recipes can be both simple and deeply refined. The creamy white bean hummus, sweet caramelised onions and lively radicchio come together in a way that feels balanced and complete. All in all a beautiful expression of contrast on a single plate.

How to make it

1. Blend the hummus
   Blitz cooked white beans with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and salt, adding a splash of water until smooth and creamy.

2. Caramelise the onions
   Cut red onions into wedges and cook them slowly in olive oil until soft, golden, and sweet.

3. Prepare the radicchio
   Separate the leaves and tear into bite-sized pieces if needed.

4. Assemble
   Spread the hummus onto a plate, creating soft swirls with the back of a spoon.

5. Finish and serve
   Top with the warm onions and fresh radicchio, then drizzle with good olive oil and finish with a pinch of salt.

A dish that brings together nourishment, seasonality, and the quiet beauty of ingredients used at exactly the right moment.