Sometimes when you read a recipe, it simply calls for “white beans.” But when you head to the grocery store, you probably won’t see jars, cans or bags labeled so simply. No, you’ll find a bewildering world of things labeled great northern white beans, navy beans, cannellini beans and more. While these are all technically white beans, these aren’t just different names for the same type of bean. In fact, each of these is actually a distinct varietal.
Cannellini beans are the largest of the three, 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. The cannellini bean boasts an earthy flavor that makes them very common in Italian cooking, especially when paired with chicken or fish. No wonder it is known as the “Italian White Kidney Bean”.
In contrast, navy beans are most popular in American recipes. Dubbed the “Boston bean”, these small oval beans are a standard in an American-staple dish: baked bean. Navy beans don’t need their full shape and texture to shine in a dish, and often work best when pureed or cooked to a very soft consistency. These beans are right at home in soups and stews.
But if you’re looking for just one bean to keep on your pantry shelves, you’ll want to go with the great northern white bean. With its nutty flavor, firm flesh and medium size, great northern beans work in almost any application. Bean salad? Perfect. Baked beans? Fabulous. Bean dip? That nutty taste will give it a little something special.
Want to see their versatility for yourself? Why don’t you try them for dinner tonight? How about some Southwest White Chicken Chili? Maybe some Great Northern Beans in Tomato and Garlic Sauce is more up your alley. How about stepping out of the box and trying a Great Northern Bean Pizza?
Randall Great Northern Beans come fully cooked and ready to eat. Find a store that carries these delicious beans near you.
For great white bean recipes for every occasion, be sure to check out the Randall Beans Recipe Blog for weekly updates!
This recipe can be made with either Randall Great Northern Beans or the Randall Organic Great Northern Beans.
Cannellini Beans: Cannellini beans are a popular white bean native to Southern Italy. They are large and oval in size with a nutty flavor and a creamy texture. Cannellini beans are also called white kidney beans.
What is a White Bean?
Some recipes simply call for “white beans.” This is a general term for great northern beans, navy beans, cannellini beans, and other similar beans. While these are all technically white beans, they all have distinct differences.
The reality is that even though the different varieties have slightly different flavors and sizes, (and everyone has their personal favorites), they’re often used interchangeably in recipes. So, for example, if a recipe calls for Cannellinis, and you only have Great Northerns on hand, your dish will still come out fine and taste delicious. So try them all to see which you like best, and enjoy.
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. They retain their shape and texture well, so they’re perfect to use in salads, soups, stews, and chili.
Have you ever seen the term “white beans” and wondered if it was referring to Navy beans, Great Northern beans, Cannellini beans, or Baby Lima beans? Well, it could be referring to any and all of them. And since there are so many varieties of white beans, it’s easy to be confused by what differentiates one from another. Let’s break it down:
Larger than Navy Beans but smaller than Cannellini beans, medium-sized Great Northern beans are known for their mild, nutty flavor and firm flesh. Great in soups and stews, they hold their shape better than Navy beans, take on the flavors of the foods they’re cooked with, and are commonly used in French cassoulets.
Also called pea beans, Navy beans are small, oval-shaped, and quick-cooking. Because they get creamy when cooked, they’re perfect for mashing against the side of the pot, pureeing in dips, and thickening soups, stews, ragouts, and more. They have a mild flavor and are the bean of choice for classic Boston baked beans, Navy Bean Chowder, and quintessential South Louisiana-Style White Beans & Rice. Interestingly, the Navy bean name comes from its use as a food staple by the U.S. Navy in the early 1900s. While all beans are high in fiber, Navy beans have the most — 19 grams per cup!
Cannellini beans provencale recipe
FAQ
What is the common name for white beans?
Is there another name for white beans?
What is the Italian bean called?
What beans are popular in Italy?
What are Italian white beans?
Italian White Beans are slowly cooked with sage & garlic, resulting in plump, firm beans that are delicious dressed with olive oil or served on crostini. I came back from our trip to Italy this past summer with a desire to make some really authentic Italian dishes. Italian dishes that aren’t just your basic pasta with tomato sauce.
What are the different types of white beans?
White beans come in a variety of types, each with its unique flavor and characteristics. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the most popular types of white beans, including cannellini, great northern, navy, baby lima, European soldier, flageolet, white runner, and Vermont cranberry beans.
What do Italian beans look like?
The beans are pale brown in color with a white eye and a dark brown iris, while the shape is elongated. They’re tradition READ MORE What’s the best, the worst and the most popular beans in Italy?
Are Italian white beans good?
Italian White Beans are so tasty, even people who claim to be bean haters will be taken by surprise of how this dish is. SEND IT TO ME! This Italian Cannellini Beans recipe is packed with flavor while being nutritious and hearty. Such a good side dish that is pairs well with so many other dishes.