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Cannellini Beans

The versatile cannellini bean can be used interchangeably with other white beans in recipes.

A popular bean in Italy, the creamy white cannellini bean is fairly large, about the same size as a kidney bean. Because it maintains its shape well when cooked and has a mellow flavor, the cannellini bean is excellent in many dishes, and can be used interchangeably with other white beans in many recipes.

Varieties

Cannellini beans are sometimes referred to as white kidney beans and are related to navy and great northern beans.

Buying and storing tips

Choose evenly colored, off-white, shiny beans. As with all dried beans, store cannellinis in a sealed glass or ceramic jar.

Availability

Cannellini beans are available year-round, canned or dried.

Preparation, uses, and tips

Before cooking, soak cannellini beans overnight, then pressure cook for 18 minutes or simmer on top of the stove for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. 1 cup of dried cannellini beans makes approximately 3 cups cooked. Marinate cooked beans in the refrigerator and add to salads, or purée them and use as a spread on crackers. Cannellini beans can also be added to soups and stews.

Nutritional Highlights

Cannellini beans, 1 cup (177g) (boiled)
Calories: 225
Protein: 15.3g
Carbohydrate: 40.4g
Total Fat: 0.88g
Fiber: 11.3g
*Excellent source of: Iron (5.2mg), Magnesium (80mg), and Folate (229 mcg)

*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the Recommended Daily Value.

Health benefits and concerns

Health benefits and concerns for legumes
Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other legumes. Read about health benefits and concerns for legumes for a full description.