Romanian White Bean Dip (Fasole Batatu)

Drain and rinse beans. Add to a blender or food process along with vegetable oil, garlic and sweet paprika. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper to taste.

Slice onions into thin rounds. Add to a saute pan over medium low heat with olive oil. Cook slowly about 20 minutes. When onions begin to brown, add balsamic vinegar. Continue to cook until onions are dark brown in color.

Put bean dip in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with sweet paprika or, if you want a little heat, you can use hot paprika, coarsely ground red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper. Top with onions. If desired, reserve some onions on the side as an additional garnish if preparing crostini.