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Anchovy Lemon Dip with Green Beans

This dip has all the umami seductiveness of a bagna cauda. In August's heat, however, you'll be thrilled that it's a cool version and not too heavy—just thick enough to cling to green beans.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    1 1/2 hr

  • Yield

    Makes 6 (hors d'oeuvre) servings

Ingredients

1

cup plus 2 tablespoons sour cream, divided

2

tablespoons water

1

(2-ounce) can flat anchovy fillets in oil, rinsed and drained

2

garlic cloves, finely chopped

1

/3 cup mayonnaise

1 to 2

tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1

1/2 pounds green or wax beans, trimmed

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Stir together 2 tablespoons sour cream with water, anchovies, and garlic in a small saucepan, then cook at a bare simmer, whisking frequently, 10 minutes. Force through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl.

    Step 2

    Whisk in mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt, remaining cup sour cream, and lemon juice (to taste). Chill, covered, at least 1 hour and up to 2 days.

    Step 3

    While dip chills, blanch beans in 3 quarts boiling water with 1 tablespoon salt 1 minute, then drain and immediately chill in an ice bath 5 minutes. Drain well and pat dry. Serve with dip.