Cannellini Beans

First grown in South America, cannellini beans traveled over to Italy, where they became a staple in many Italian dishes. Creamy and a little nutty, white beans make appearances in dishes from white chili to Mediterranean tortellini salad.

Our easy, garlicky cannellini beans recipe puts the protein- and nutrient-dense ingredient in the spotlight. Ready in just over half an hour, they can function as a side dish or as a hearty dinner. Pair them with some other 30-minute Mediterranean recipes.

Ingredients for Cannellini Beans

• Onion: Opt for a yellow or sweet onion here. As you cook it, it will become sweeter.
• Garlic cloves: Garlic adds umami complexity. Mince them fresh for optimal flavor.
• Cannellini beans: Opt for a can without any added salt so you can control the dish’s salt levels. You can use butter beans instead.
• Chicken stock: Chicken stock contributes to a more robust flavor overall. Try and pick an option that has a limited amount of salt, too.
• Thyme and rosemary sprigs: These herbs impart earthy, piney aromas to the beans.
• Lemon juice: A spritz of lemon brightens up the dish with acidity.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the aromatics

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Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook one minute longer.

Step 2: Cook the beans

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Stir in the cannellini beans, stock, salt, pepper, thyme and rosemary. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Discard the thyme and rosemary. Stir in the lemon juice.

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Cannellini Bean Variations

• Make it more Mediterranean: Add in some cherry tomatoes, fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese to channel dinner along the Italian coast.
• Pair it with pasta: If you want to make this recipe even heartier, you can simply add the beans to cooked pasta of your choice. We like a small shape here, to match the beans.
• Turn it into a bowl: You can make a protein- and fiber-rich meal by combining this with some veggies and another protein source of choice (like roasted chicken or tofu).

How to Store Cannellini Beans

Store your cannellini beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove.

Can you freeze cannellini beans?

Yep. Just let them cool, and then store them in freezer-safe bags or containers. They should last about six months. We recommend pre-portioning so it’s easy to take them out and enjoy.

Cannellini Bean Tips

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Can I use dried cannellini beans?

Canned cannellini means offer convenience, but you can certainly use dried beans. Before cooking, soak the beans in cold water overnight. This will speed up the cooking time and make them easier to digest.

What should I do if my beans get dried out in the fridge?

Just add some water while reheating your beans on the stove. It should perk them so you can enjoy your leftovers!

Are cannellini beans the same as white beans?

Cannellini beans are a type of white bean. Other white beans include great northern beans and lima beans, and each type of white bean has a distinct flavor and texture. Check out some of our other favorite white beans recipes.