Legume | Vegan Gluten Free High Fiber Low Fat

Cannellini Beans

Phaseolus vulgaris Allergen-Free
Cannellini Beans

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Fabaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Italian
  • Seasonality Year-Round (dried/canned)
  • Source Bean Plant

The Forktionary Angle

"The Versatile White Bean Staple"

Definition

Large, white kidney beans, known for their creamy texture, mild flavor, and ability to absorb flavors in various Mediterranean dishes.

Sensory Profile

TasteMild, Earthy, Nutty, Creamy
TextureCreamy, Smooth, Tender
AromaMild, Beany
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Global Production (2022)

~2.5 million tons (dry beans)

Protein Content

8g per 1/2 cup serving

Storage Life (Dried)

Up to 2 years

Nutrition Facts

Per 130g (1/2 cup cooked)
Calories140 kcal
Total Fat0.5g
Saturated Fat0.1g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Protein9g
Total Carbohydrate25g
Dietary Fiber7g
Total Sugars0.5g
Calcium60mg
Iron2.5mg
Potassium400mg

Chef’s Secret

To impart more flavor into canned cannellini beans, rinse them thoroughly and then simmer briefly in a little stock with aromatics.

Substitutions

Best Match

Great Northern Beans

1:1

Very similar size, creamy texture, and mild flavor, excellent all-around substitute.

Navy Beans

1:1

Smaller but also creamy, good for mashing or thickening, slightly more delicate flavor.

Borlotti Beans (Cranberry Beans)

1:1

Similar texture and robust flavor profile, often used in Italian cuisine, but distinct appearance.

Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)

1:1

Nutty flavor and firm texture, good for salads or mashing, but less creamy when whole.

Buying Guide

For canned, choose low-sodium options. For dried, look for uniform, unblemished beans. Store dried in a cool, dark place.

Flavor Pairings

Sage Rosemary Garlic Olive Oil Tomatoes Tuna Pasta

Recipes Using Cannellini Beans

Number Of Servings Peppers Main Ingredient Occasion

10 Minute Tuscan Tomato Soup With Parmesan Toasts

Ready in just 10 minutes, this vibrant Tuscan Tomato Soup bursts with fresh flavor! Perfectly paired with crispy Parmesan toasts, it's a quick and elegant weeknight meal or a delightful appetizer. This Woman's Day recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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Preparation Salads Vegetables Onions

3 Bean Salad With Marinated Sweet Onions And Roasted Peppers

This 3-Bean Salad recipe is a game-changer! Forget everything you thought you knew about bean salads – this one's bursting with flavor thanks to perfectly marinated sweet onions and roasted peppers. We use Vidalia onions for the ultimate sweetness, but any sweet onion will work. Prepare to be amazed by the vibrant colors and incredible taste! Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a light summer lunch.

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Beans Main Ingredient Course Preparation

30 Cloves Of Garlic And Bean Soup

This hearty and aromatic 30-Cloves-of-Garlic Bean Soup recipe is a family favorite, passed down through generations. While the abundance of garlic might seem intimidating, it simmers to perfection, creating a rich, savory broth without overpowering the other flavors. The secret? Letting it sit for a day or two to allow the flavors to meld. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable – feel free to adjust ingredient quantities to your liking. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

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Time To Make Main Ingredient Easy Pasta

Angel Hair With Garlic Spinach And White Beans

A light yet satisfying dish bursting with garlic flavor! This low-fat, high-fiber pasta recipe is perfect for a healthy weeknight meal. Using pre-washed spinach and bottled minced garlic cuts prep time significantly, leaving you with more time to enjoy this delicious and hearty meal. Serve with a side green salad for a complete and vibrant dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes!

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Portuguese Lunch European Refrigerator

Antipasti Di Tonno E Fagioli

Escape the heat with this vibrant Antipasti Di Tonno E Fagioli! This elegant tuna and white bean salad is perfect as a light summer lunch or a sophisticated appetizer. Made with high-quality tuna packed in olive oil (save that precious oil for the dressing!), this recipe is surprisingly quick to prepare and boasts incredible flavor. Simply chill and enjoy! #tunasalad #antipasti #italiansalad #summerrecipe #easyrecipe #appetizer #lunchrecipe

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Main Ingredient Preparation Course Time To Make

Artichoke White Bean Soup

Indulge in this creamy, dreamy Artichoke & White Bean Soup! Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, this recipe is adapted from the Culinary Institute of America and features a healthy twist. We've omitted the croutons and used a can of great northern beans for a lower-calorie delight that still bursts with flavor. Get ready to savor every spoonful of this delicious and easy-to-make soup!

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Course Low In Something Course Occasion

Artichoke And Cannellini Bean Dip

This vibrant and creamy artichoke and cannellini bean dip is the perfect appetizer! Easy to make in just 10 minutes, this recipe combines the heartiness of cannellini beans with the delicate flavor of artichoke hearts. Serve with crunchy grissini breadsticks for an irresistible combination of textures and tastes. Perfect for parties, game days, or a simple weeknight snack!

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Tomatoes Main Dish Course Tomatoes

Baked Pasta E Fagioli

This comforting Baked Pasta e Fagioli recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Inspired by a surprising source (a friend with questionable housekeeping skills!), this one-dish wonder is perfect for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Featuring a rich tomato sauce, hearty beans, and perfectly cooked pasta, it's a simple yet satisfying meal. Serve with a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick!

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One Dish Meal Preparation Course Cuisine

Baked Rigatoni Sausage Tuscan Style

A hearty and flavorful twist on classic baked pasta! This Tuscan-inspired recipe features savory Italian sausage, creamy cannellini beans, and perfectly cooked rigatoni, all baked to bubbly perfection under a blanket of melted mozzarella and Romano cheese. Inspired by a classic Italian cooking show (possibly Ciao Italia!), this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers restaurant-quality taste in under an hour. The cannellini beans add a delightful creaminess and heartiness that elevates this dish to the next level. Serve with crusty garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Preparation Main Dish Dietary Low In Something

Baked Vegetables With White Beans

This hearty vegetarian casserole is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal! Featuring a creamy white bean base and your choice of roasted vegetables, this recipe is endlessly customizable. This version uses broccoli and cauliflower for a delightful mix of textures and flavors, but feel free to experiment with your favorites like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers. We've added a touch of extra zest with mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese for a gooier, more decadent experience (optional). Perfect as a vegetarian main course or a flavorful side dish.

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Time To Make Rosh Hashana Holiday Event 4 Hours Or Less

Barefoot Contessa's Rosemary White Bean Soup

Indulge in this creamy, flavorful Rosemary White Bean Soup, perfect for chilly evenings! This Barefoot Contessa-inspired recipe features tender white beans, fragrant rosemary, and a rich chicken broth, creating a hearty and satisfying soup that's easy to make. Perfect for fall and winter gatherings or a cozy weeknight meal.

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60 Minutes Or Less Low In Something Main Ingredient Dietary

Bean Basil Soup

A taste of Kentucky! This hearty and flavorful bean and basil soup, inspired by a Kentucky friend, is brimming with fresh basil, tender beans, and a creamy texture that will leave you wanting more. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a satisfying weekend lunch.

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Time To Make Pasta Rice And Grains Preparation Course

Bean And Rice Patties In Pita With Yogurt Tahini Dressing

Craving a healthier, flavorful twist on falafel? These hearty bean and rice patties, inspired by Moosewood's low-fat favorites, are packed with spices and nestled in warm pita bread with a creamy yogurt-tahini dressing. A fantastic vegetarian meal that's quick, easy, and bursting with flavor! Customize the spice level to your liking – more cumin and cayenne are always welcome! Prep time excludes brown rice cooking.

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Main Ingredient Main Ingredient Preparation Dietary

Beans And Greens Of Provence

Transport your taste buds to the sunny hills of Provence with this hearty vegetarian dish! Inspired by an Atlanta restaurant and originally featured in the newspaper, this recipe is bursting with flavor. Enjoy tender beans and vibrant greens in a rich, satisfying sauce – a delicious and memorable meal your whole family will crave. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Preparation Easy 30 Minutes Or Less Dietary

Beans Black Eyed Peas And Cashew Salad

This vibrant and flavorful salad is packed with protein and healthy fats! A perfect side dish or satisfying vegetarian entree, this recipe combines tender beans, black-eyed peas, crunchy cashews, and a zesty vinaigrette for a taste sensation. Easy to make and even better the next day!

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Low Calorie Easy Dietary Low Carb

Bek's Spicy Tuscan Soup

Spice up your Italian cooking with Bek's Spicy Tuscan Soup! This recipe puts a fiery twist on a classic, featuring vibrant Tuscan flavors with a kick. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a flavorful weekend lunch, this soup is easily customizable to your spice preference. Serve with crusty bread for dipping and enjoy the warmth and deliciousness! Find your perfect spice level – mild or wild!

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Time To Make Cuisine Low Calorie Vegetarian

Bell Pepper Bean Stew

This vibrant and hearty Bell Pepper Bean Stew bursts with Latin American flavors! Quick, easy, and healthy, this satisfying soup is perfect for a weeknight meal. Get ready to savor the delicious blend of tender bell peppers, savory beans, and zesty spices. Serve with crusty bread for a complete and unforgettable culinary experience.

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Preparation Beans 60 Minutes Or Less Chicken

Low Fat White Chicken Chili

This award-winning white chicken chili recipe is a healthy and delicious crowd-pleaser! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or your next potluck, this lightened-up chili boasts tender chicken, creamy white beans, and a subtle kick of spice. Win your next chili cook-off with this easy-to-make recipe.

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