Cherished for their creamy texture and nutty undertone, these Cannellini Beans will become your staple side in no time!
Cannellini beans have a rich history rooted in Italian cuisine and are cherished for their creamy texture and nutty undertones. I absolutely love creating with them because they pack so much flavor into each bite. They are silky and have a complex, earthy taste to them. Cannellini beans make great meat substitutes for this reason. I use them for just about everything! You can blend them in soups or mash them together to make a bean dip, and so much more. The options are boundless.
This recipe features generous seasonings of garlic and herbs. The beans taste great on their own, or they can be used to complement other dishes. I like to add a pop of color to mine by folding in some sautéed Swiss chard and garnishing with lemon zest. This really brightens it up! If time is on your side, you can cook your beans from scratch, but canned beans work great here, too.
Is This Cannellini Beans Recipe Healthy?
Cannellini beans offer a medley of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B9, E, and K. They’re rich in iron and contain potassium, phosphorus, copper, and magnesium. And since they have such a neutral base flavor, you can easily mix in some wilted spinach or kale for added nutrients. For vegan-friendly variations, feel free to skip the grated Parmesan cheese or replace it with a dairy-free cheese. You can also sprinkle with nutritional yeast, which is a common cheese substitute used in vegan cooking. It is a powdered, deactivated yeast that can be found in the bulk aisle of most natural food stores.
What are Cannellini beans? Will other beans do?
If you are not familiar with cannellini beans, allow me to fill you in! Cannellini beans, or white kidney beans as they’re sometimes called, are particularly cherished in Italian cuisine. These beans actually originated in South America, then found their way to Italy, where they are now cultivated and grown commercially. Cannellini beans are a nutrient powerhouse, brimming with fiber, protein, and carbohydrates. They have a tender texture and a light, nutty taste. These beans make for an extremely versatile ingredient, enhancing various dishes such as soups, stews, and recipes of all kinds. If you don’t have any on hand, use navy, lima, or butter beans instead.
How to make ahead and store
Follow the instructions to prepare your beans, then you can store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. You can serve leftover cannellini beans chilled, or warmed in a saucepan over the stove with extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your cannellini beans with a crusty loaf of toasted sourdough bread. Or, for a larger meal, pair the beans with a citrus salad and a simple vegetable side, such as roasted fennel, grilled radishes, sautéed broccoli rabe or roasted Brussels sprouts. These beans also make a great bed for a white fish, like Lemon Baked Cod or Chilean Sea Bass. Yum! For an additional bean delight, there are these Chickpea Fritters that feature a garbanzo bean base. These crispy fritters will warm your tummy and deliver a flavor-filled nutritious bite!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup shallot minced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- 1/3 cup vegetable broth
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Kosher salt to taste
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly chopped basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and shallots to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the cannellini beans and broth to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano; cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the lemon juice, and cook for another 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning if necessary and add the Parmesan. Top with fresh basil when serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment