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Last updated on June 29th, 2022 at 03:20 pm
Okay, I could’ve easily named this 5-minute white bean recipe, but, but, doesn’t cannellini just sound SO MUCH better and pretentious? White bean sounds like…”Well, you know you’re gonna be farting in your sleep tonight…” While cannellini sounds sophisticated, fancy and like something people would drink with red wine or something. Cannellini! Now do it with an Italian accent! CANNELLINI! And you have to do something with your hands, as if you’re explaining something to someone really stupid who doesn’t understand.
When I think of cannellini I think of cannoli, which is a super delicious pastry that much like Al Pacino’s parents comes from Sicily.
I first had cannoli when I was in Sicily 4 years ago, it was a time of many firsts. First time to a volcano (Etna), first time seeing 2 people being hit by a car while crossing the street, dusting themselves off and moving on with their day (trauma for life), first time seeing someone jerk off in public. Okay, unfortunately not the first time, but it was quite traumatic as well.
Still, I’d go to Sicily tomorrow if I had the chance. It’s so beautiful, warm, Etna’s smoking and the food is pretty amazing. But here I am writing about white beans, with very dirty hair on a hot summer day. Dream big.
But, I do think you’ll like these white beans.
How To Make Cannellini in 5 Minutes?
Simple. Get a can of cannellini, open it and smell it.
Doesn’t smell like lilies right?
Well, now it’s time to face the tough part. Getting rid of that liquid surrounding the beans. I know, it looks very appetizing, but before you decide to make a latte with it, hear me out. It doesn’t taste good.
It’s better if you just rinse and then drain the beans. Forget about that slime – say goodbye, so you can both move on.
Now that we have sparkling clean white beans it’s time to heat them in a non-stick pan with some coconut oil or olive oil. Some people say frying with olive oil is more poisonous than being bitten by a viper snake, I wonder how the poor people in Spain and Greece survived all those olive oil attacks during the years.
Look now you got distracted and forgot to chop 1/2 onion and to mince one garlic clove. I hate to be the responsible one here. So, please, chop chop.
Okay, before the cannellini, add the onion and the garlic to the pan, let that saute for 1-2 minutes. Then put in the cannellini and stir them.
Now it’s time for the really tough part! The spices. I decided to add dry mint, basil, coriander, and cumin because those seem to be my go-to herbs and spices right now.
Stir to cover each sad little white bean in herbs and spices and turn the heat off.
You can eat these white beans like this, or, orrr, you can decide to invest 10 minutes and make a small tomato cucumber salad and some tzatziki, which isn’t vegan, but if you are – I have a vegan recipe here. If you’re not, just mix some yogurt with chopped cucumber and garlic, add salt – ready!
So, I don’t know, maybe there’ll be another person who ends up without anything to eat at home but a can of beans. This recipe’s for you. I have only love, respect and understanding for you.
Yield: 2
5-Minute Cannellini Recipe
Super simple cannellini bean recipe! Make these white beans in under 10 minutes (you can try for 5), when you have nothing to eat at home. Or in those situations you actually crave a can of white beans. Serve with some salad and vegan tzatziki for a full vegan dinner!
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup cannellini beans, canned
- 1/2 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp mint
- 1/2 tsp basil
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- optional: red pepper flakes
- olive oil (or coconut oil)
- 1/2 onion
- 1 garlic clove
Instructions
- Rinse and drain cannellini, chop the onion, mince the garlic.
- In a non-stick pan - saute the onion and garlic for a minute with some oil.
- Stir in the cannellini beans, let cook for a minute.
- Stir in the spices, making sure to cover each bean.
- Serve with a small tomato cucumber salad, olives (not in the picture) and tzatziki.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2 Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 232Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 448mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 7gSugar: 2gProtein: 10g
I will be back on Thursday with a secret superfood list – I’ve been trying to write that post for I think a year and it’s about only 7 foods, so you can see I’m a productive human who can’t get distracted by anything. Hopefully, it’s done on Thursday.
FAQs
Cannellini beans are the largest of the group and because of their traditional kidney shape, they can also be referred to as White Kidney Beans. Meatier than Navy or Great Northern beans, they have a nutty, earthy flavor and tender flesh, and are often used in Italian dishes like Minestrone.
Can you eat cannellini beans straight from the tin? ›
Beans, and all canned foods, are cooked during the canning process. So if you want to eat beans straight from the can, go ahead. All canned beans have been cooked, and in the canning process they are heated more.
Are small white beans the same as cannellini beans? ›
What is a Cannellini Bean? Cannellini beans are the largest white bean, with thin skin and a smooth, silky interior. They're often used when you want the bean to retain their traditional kidney shape, like in salads or other recipes where beans are kept whole.
Are cannellini beans and great northern beans the same thing? ›
"The difference between the two rests primarily with the heartiness of the cannellini over the northern," explains Vince Hayward, the president of Camellia Brand beans. "Because of the thicker skin, and slightly bolder bean taste, the cannellini lends itself better towards soups and stews," Hayward adds.
What is the healthiest white bean? ›
All beans are rich in fiber, but the top-ranking variety is the navy bean, allegedly named for its popularity in the U.S. Navy in the early 20th century. These pea-sized, cream-colored beans provide 10 grams of fiber per half-cup serving.
Are cannellini beans just white kidney beans? ›
Several types exist, though the most common are cannellini beans, which are also called white kidney beans. Tender, with an earthy, nutty flavor, they make a great addition to soups, stews, chilis, and other dishes. This article reviews the nutrient profile, benefits, and uses of white beans.
What happens if you don't rinse cannellini beans? ›
Canned beans are packed in a solution of water, salt, and starch. That solution can leave a glossy film on the beans, interfering with not only mouthfeel (slimy beans are a little off-putting), but also the ability of the beans to cling to other ingredients in the dish and absorb those flavors.
What are cannellini beans called in Canada? ›
White Kidney Beans
Also known as cannellini or alubia beans, they are white or cream-coloured.
Should you rinse canned cannellini beans? ›
Many people wonder if they need to drain and rinse canned beans, and the answer is, “it depends.” It's fine to add the bean liquid to many recipes, but if you want to reduce the amount of sodium, it's best to drain and rinse canned beans.
What are the pink bits in cannellini beans? ›
Beans and related plants have an embryo in their seeds. In white legumes, the embryo is a light pink color and looks indeed like a larva. That's likely what you're seeing.
Creamy navy beans are the pinnacle of British comfort foods, featured on a breakfast fry-up or atop bread for the famous beans on toast. Other white bean varieties like cannellini or gigantes are excellent creamy additions to soups and stews.
What is the common name for cannellini beans? ›
Cannellini Beans are also referred to as White Kidney Beans, a clue to their shape. Cannellini Beans are mild in flavor, with a light, nutty taste.
Do cannellini beans cause gas? ›
Because of their fibre content, cannellini beans can cause gas. Eating too many beans can cause gastrointestinal upset to some extent. However, you can avoid such cases if you eat it after soaking it overnight.
Can dogs eat cannellini beans? ›
The most common household cooked beans including black, lima, garbanzo, pinto, kidney, red and white beans are all safe to eat. Cannellini, navy and great northern beans may be less common, but are just as healthy for your dog to eat on occasion.
What bean is closest to cannellini? ›
The most common substitutes for Cannellini Beans are red kidney beans, great northern beans, butter beans, and black beans.
Can I substitute cannellini beans for navy beans? ›
If your recipe calls for white beans, you can often use Cannellini Bean as an excellent substitute for Navy or Great beans. They are slightly larger, have a meaty texture, and have thicker skin. With nutty and early flavor work well in soups and cold salads.
What beans can be substituted for navy beans? ›
Pinto beans are a delightful and versatile legume that is a common substitution for navy beans in recipes. Native to the Americas, pinto beans are a staple of Mexican cuisine, with their slightly nutty flavor and creamy texture.
What is another name for navy beans? ›
Navy beans are also called Boston beans, Yankee beans, haricots, or pea beans. Navy beans are white, oval-shaped, and about the size of a pea. They have a mild, delicate flavor.
