Mild-flavored and creamy, cannellini beans are also known as white Italian kidney beans. Cannellini beans are an excellent source of fiber, protein, complex carbohydrates, plus research has found that including beans and legumes as part of your diet can help support healthy digestion, stabilize blood sugar, and possibly protect against a variety of cancers and chronic illnesses. Cannellini beans are also rich in the trace mineral manganese and are good sources of calcium, copper, and iron.

Chef Tips

Cannellini beans are available both canned and dried and are an excellent pantry staple. When using canned beans be sure to always rinse them under running water to remove excess sodium. When purchasing dried beans, choose ones that are whole and not broken, and soak for at least 4 hours or overnight before cooking.

Mild in flavor, versatile cannellini beans are at home in many different types of dishes, equally delicious served hot or cold. Cook your own from scratch with this easy Basic White Bean recipe, add them to a hearty cold-weather dish like a Greens & White Bean Soup. Or, try them in a simple appetizer like this Tuna & Bean Salad.