What are cannellini beans?

Cannellini beans are a type of white kidney bean that is popular in Italian cuisine. They have a creamy texture and a nutty flavour.

What is the difference between cannellini beans and great northern beans?

Cannellini beans are larger and have a kidney shape, while great northern beans are smaller and more oval. Cannellini beans also have a creamier texture.

Can I use cannellini beans in chilli?

Yes, cannellini beans are a great addition to white chicken chilli or other chilli recipes.

Where do cannellini beans come from?

Cannellini beans are believed to have originated in Argentina but were first cultivated in Italy.

What's the best substitute for cannellini beans?

Butter beans or haricot beans are excellent substitutes. Butter beans offer a similar creamy texture, while haricot beans (navy beans) are smaller but work well in soups and stews.

How are cannellini beans traditionally used in Italian cooking?

They are a staple in Tuscan cuisine, famously used in ribollita (a hearty soup), pasta e fagioli (pasta and beans), and simple bean salads with sage, garlic, and olive oil.

Do I need to soak dried cannellini beans?

Yes, it is highly recommended to soak dried cannellini beans for at least 8 hours or overnight. This reduces cooking time significantly and helps them cook more evenly.

Cannellini Bean Recipes

A staple in Italian cuisine, cannellini beans are prized for their creamy texture and nutty flavour. Explore our collection of delicious cannellini bean recipes.

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Cannellini Bean Health Benefits

Cannellini beans are a nutritious choice, offering a great balance of macronutrients. They are particularly high in soluble fibre, which can help to regulate blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol. They also provide a significant amount of plant-based protein, making meals both satisfying and nourishing.

Rich in folate, a B-vitamin that is important for cell growth and metabolism.
Provide a good source of iron and magnesium, minerals essential for energy production and bone health.

Adding Cannellini Beans to Your Meals

With their smooth, creamy texture and mild, nutty flavour, cannellini beans are a cornerstone of Italian, particularly Tuscan, cooking. They hold their shape well, making them perfect for salads and pasta dishes, but also become wonderfully tender in slow-cooked soups and stews like minestrone and pasta e fagioli. Their ability to absorb the flavours of herbs like rosemary and sage makes them a key component in many classic Italian recipes.

How to Cook Cannellini Beans

Cooking cannellini beans from scratch unlocks their full, creamy potential. Start by soaking the dried beans in cold water overnight. Drain and rinse them well before placing them in a large pot and covering with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cooking for 1.5 to 2 hours until they are tender all the way through. A gentle simmer is key, as a vigorous boil can cause their delicate skins to break.

Cannellini Bean Recipes

Cannellini Bean and Roasted Balsamic Tomato Stew

Creamy Cajun Spiced Chorizo and Butter Bean Stew

Creamy Cajun Spiced Cannellini Stew

Crisp Cauliflower Nuggets

Crisp Cauliflower Nuggets With Halloumi

Creamy Sausage and Cannellini Bean Cassoulet

Homemade Beans and Cheddar Cheese Jacky-P

Creamy Pork Steak Tray Bake

Chorizo and Cannellini Bean Stew

Chicken and Chorizo Stew

Creamy Gochujang Cannellini Beans and Tenderstem®

Italian Style Cannellini Bean Hotpot

Italian Inspired Cannellini and Tomato Stew

Chicken and Sausage Cassoulet

Ratatouille Pie

Smoked Sausages in Brioche Buns

Sicilian Style Aubergine and Pepper Caponata Stew

Plant Based Veggie Sausages

Pork and Apple Roulades

Toulouse Sausage

Cheesy Chipotle Chorizo and Bean Chilli Loaded Wedges

Veggie Pie

Veggie Packed Italian Soup

Warming Rigatoni & Bean Soup (v)