5 Delicious Cannellini Bean Recipes to Try Tonight

Cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans, are a staple in many culinary traditions around the world. Their creamy texture and mild flavor make them an excellent addition to a wide array of dishes, from soups and salads to stews and casseroles. In this post, we'll dive into five delicious recipes featuring these versatile beans that you can try tonight for a satisfying and nutritious meal. Whether you're looking for a simple side dish, a comforting main course, or a hearty vegetarian option, these recipes are bound to delight your palate and inspire your cooking creativity.

1. Tuscan White Bean Soup

This classic Italian soup is perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re in need of some comfort food. Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients:
• 2 cups of cannellini beans (soaked overnight)
• 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bunch of kale, chopped
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
• Instructions:
1. Start by cooking the beans in water or broth until they’re tender.
2. In a large pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened.
3. Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary, cooking until fragrant.
4. Pour in the beans with their cooking liquid or add new broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then add the chopped kale.
6. Cook for another 15-20 minutes.
7. Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil.

🍲 Note: For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans or use an immersion blender to part of the soup, keeping some beans whole for texture.

2. Cannellini Bean and Kale Salad

For a refreshing yet filling side dish or light lunch:

• Ingredients:
• 3 cups cannellini beans (canned, rinsed)
• 1 bunch of kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper
• Shaved Parmesan for garnish
• Instructions:
1. Toss the kale with olive oil, lemon juice, zest, and garlic. Massage the kale for a few minutes to soften it.
2. Add the beans and mix well.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Top with Parmesan shavings.

3. Garlic Rosemary Cannellini Bean Mashed Potatoes

Give your mashed potatoes a unique twist:

• Ingredients:
• 1 pound potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 cup cannellini beans
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• ¹⁄₄ cup cream or milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
1. Boil potatoes, beans, and garlic together until tender.
2. Remove the rosemary sprigs before draining.
3. Mash the potato mixture with cream, butter, salt, and pepper.
4. Optionally, use an electric mixer for a creamier texture.

4. Lemon Garlic White Bean Spread

Perfect for sandwiches, as a dip, or a spread on toast:

• Ingredients:
• 2 cups cannellini beans (canned, drained)
• 2 tbsp tahini
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic
• ¹⁄₄ cup water or as needed
• Olive oil, paprika, and fresh herbs for garnish
• Instructions:
1. Combine beans, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic in a food processor, blending until smooth.
2. Add water to achieve desired consistency.
3. Serve topped with olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

🍴 Note: This spread can be refrigerated for up to a week and can also be frozen.

5. Cannellini Bean and Spinach Enchiladas

For a vegetarian twist on a Mexican classic:

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup cannellini beans (canned, rinsed)
• 2 cups spinach
• 8 corn or flour tortillas
• 1 can enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• ¹⁄₂ tsp cumin
• ¹⁄₄ tsp chili powder
• Salt
• Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sauté spinach with cumin, chili powder, and salt until wilted, then mix with beans.
3. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in a baking dish.
4. Fill tortillas with the bean mixture, roll, and place seam side down in the dish.
5. Pour the rest of the sauce over the enchiladas and top with cheese if using.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.

In wrapping up these delicious recipes featuring cannellini beans, we've explored a range of dishes that showcase the versatility and nutritional benefits of this wonderful legume. From the comforting Tuscan soup to the vibrant salad, the hearty mashed potatoes, the zesty spread, and the flavorful enchiladas, each recipe highlights different ways to incorporate cannellini beans into your diet. These beans not only add a creamy texture and mild flavor but also bring a healthy dose of fiber, protein, and various minerals. So next time you're at the store, pick up some cannellini beans and let your culinary creativity run wild. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just looking to add more plant-based protein to your meals, these recipes offer something for everyone. Enjoy the process of cooking and savor the flavors that these humble beans can bring to your table.

What are the nutritional benefits of cannellini beans?

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Cannellini beans are rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels. They are also a good source of plant-based protein, folate, and iron, along with various other minerals like potassium, magnesium, and zinc. Their high antioxidant content can also contribute to heart health.

Can I use canned cannellini beans instead of dried ones?

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Absolutely! Canned cannellini beans are a convenient alternative to dried beans. They are pre-cooked, so you can directly incorporate them into recipes after rinsing to remove excess sodium. Just be mindful that they might be softer in texture compared to beans cooked from scratch.

Are there any variations for the Tuscan White Bean Soup?

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Yes! For instance, you can:

• Add pancetta or sausage for extra flavor.
• Include tomatoes or tomato paste for a richer taste.
• Use different greens like spinach or chard instead of kale.
• Blend half of the soup for a creamier consistency while keeping some beans whole for texture.

How can I store the leftover white bean spread?

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You can store the white bean spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze it in an ice cube tray, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag, where it will last for about 3 months.