Cannellini beans are a popular ingredient in many recipes, but sometimes you might not have them on hand. Finding a good Cannellini Bean Substitute can save your dish when you're out of these white beans.
Whether you're making a soup, stew, or salad, there are tasty alternatives that work just as well. In this article, I will guide you through some simple Cannellini Bean Substitutes that you probably already have in your pantry. Let's keep your cooking adventure smooth and delicious!
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About Cannellini Beans
- What is it: Cannellini beans are a type of white bean that is often used in Italian cooking, and they are also called white kidney beans or fazolia bean.
- Taste and flavor profile: They have a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a creamy texture when cooked.
- Origin: Cannellini beans originally come from Italy.
- Season of harvesting or availability: They are usually harvested in late summer to early fall, but you can find them dried or canned all year round in stores.
Substitutes For Cannellini Beans
There are several suitable substitutes that can be used when cannellini beans are not available, ensuring your dish remains delicious and satisfying.
1. Navy Beans
Navy beans are a great substitute for cannellini beans. They are small, white, and oval-shaped, also called pea beans. Their mild flavor makes them perfect for many dishes.
Navy beans have a creamy texture when cooked, similar to cannellini beans. They also cook in about the same amount of time, so they can easily fit into recipes without much adjustment.
Cannellini beans can sometimes be hard to find in stores, but navy beans are often more available. Try them in:
- Navy Bean Soup
- White Bean Chili
- Vegan Baked Beans
2. Butter Beans
Butter beans, also known as lima beans, offer a great alternative for cannellini beans. These large, flat, white beans are known for their creamy flavor and smooth texture. They have a buttery taste that enriches dishes, creating a satisfying and comforting experience.
In terms of cooking, butter beans become soft and tender, much like cannellini beans. They are often more readily available in grocery stores, easing the hassle of searching for harder-to-find ingredients.
However, one potential drawback is their larger size, which may slightly alter the appearance of your dish. Try them in:
- Butter Bean Stew
- Lima Bean Salad
- Creamy Bean Dip
3. Great Northern Beans
Great Northern beans are medium-sized, white, and have a mild, nutty flavor and are an excellent option to replace cannellini beans. Similar in size to cannellini beans, they have a smooth and creamy texture when cooked.
Canned beans, like Great Northern beans, are also convenient and often more available in stores compared to cannellini beans. Because they cook at about the same time, you can easily use them in recipes without much adjustment.
However, Great Northern Beans may not be as robust or hearty as cannellini beans, which have a thicker skin and slightly bolder taste. Try them in:
- Kale White Bean Soup
- Great Northern Bean Salad
- Bean and Vegetable Stew
4. Red Kidney Beans
Red Kidney Beans are another good alternative to cannellini beans. These beans have dark red skin and a slightly sweet flavor. They are larger and kidney-shaped, making them easy to identify.
When cooked, they have a firm skin with a creamy yet slightly meaty texture, which makes them suitable for hearty soups and stews. It's important to note that red kidney beans need to be soaked before cooking to reduce their cooking time and ensure they are safe to eat.
While cannellini beans can sometimes be hard to find, red kidney beans are widely available in most grocery stores. Try them in:
- Chili Con Carne
- Red Bean Salad
- Hearty Instant Pot Bean Stew
5. Black Beans
Black beans can be a good cannellini bean substitute. These beans are small and oval-shaped with shiny black skin. They have a rich, slightly sweet flavor and a soft, creamy texture when cooked.
Black Beans are often used in Latin American dishes, but they work well as a substitute in many recipes that call for cannellini beans.
Black Beans usually require about an hour to cook if you’re using dried beans, but you can also find canned black beans easily in most grocery stores, which cuts down on cooking time.
However, their dark color might change the look of your dish, which could be a drawback if you're aiming for a specific appearance.
- Black Bean Soup
- Black Bean And Corn Salsa
- Bean Tacos
6. Garbanzo Beans
Garbanzo Beans (also known as chickpeas) are round and beige in color, with a slightly nutty and earthy taste. When cooked, they have a firm texture that holds up well in various dishes.
Garbanzo Beans take about an hour to cook if you're using dried beans, but canned versions are available in most grocery stores, making them convenient.
They work well as a substitution for cannellini beans because they add a distinct flavor to dishes, similar to cannellini beans. However, their firmer texture might not be suitable for recipes that require a creamier feel. Try them in:
- Homemade Hummus
- Chickpea Salad
- Garbanzo Bean Soup
7. Pinto Beans
Pinto Beans are medium-sized with a pinkish-brown color and speckled skin. They have a creamy texture and a mild, earthy flavor when cooked.
Pinto Beans usually take about 1-2 hours to cook from dried, but you can also find them canned, which saves time.
They work well as a substitute because they blend smoothly in dishes, similar to cannellini beans. However, their distinct color might change the appearance of your dish.
Also, they are often used in refried beans, so if you're looking for a direct substitution in Italian dishes, this could be a minor drawback.
- Instant Pot Refried Beans
- Pinto Bean Soup
- Bean Burritos
8. Adzuki Beans
Adzuki Beans are another option for replacing cannellini beans. These small, reddish-brown beans have a sweet and nutty flavor. They are round in shape and have a firm, chewy texture when cooked.
Adzuki Beans typically take about 45 minutes to an hour to cook from dried, making them quicker than some other beans. Their mildly nutty and slightly sweet taste works well in many dishes, similar to cannellini beans.
However, their distinct red color might not suit all recipes. Additionally, adzuki beans can be harder to find in regular grocery stores compared to more common beans.
- Adzuki Bean Salad
- Red Bean Soup
- Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice Bowl
9. Calypso Beans
Calypso Beans are small and oval-shaped and are best known for their striking red-and-white pattern. They have a mild, potato-like flavor and a smooth texture when cooked.
Calypso Beans become double in size during cooking and typically take about 1-1.5 hours to prepare from dried. They make a great substitute because their taste and texture are similar to cannellini beans.
However, their distinct color pattern might change the appearance of your dish. Try them in:
- Calypso Bean Stew
- Bean Salad
- Instant Pot Ham And Bean Soup
10. Borlotti Beans
Borlotti beans, also known as cranberry beans, can be a great alternative to cannellini beans. These beans have a similar creamy texture and a more nutty, rich taste.
Borlotti beans are light brown with reddish spots, while cannellini beans are white. When cooked, borlotti beans become creamy and soft, just like cannellini beans. Both types of beans take about the same time to cook, usually 45-60 minutes when dried.
Cannellini beans might not always be available in stores, but you can often find borlotti beans at your local grocery store or online.
One drawback is that borlotti beans have a slightly stronger flavor than cannellini beans, which might change the taste of delicate recipes. Try them in:
- Stewed Beans
- Weight Watchers Bean Salad
- Pasta e Fagioli
FAQ'S
Canned cannellini beans are pre-cooked, so they only need to be heated for about 5-10 minutes. Simply warm them up in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave until they’re hot. No additional cooking is required.
One of my favorite white bean recipes is the Instant Pot Cajun Rice and Beans, featuring tender chicken, creamy white beans, and bold Cajun spices. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that comes together quickly in the Instant Pot.
So, Which Option Is Best For Cannellini Beans Replacement?
Ultimately, the best option for a cannellini beans substitute will depend on personal preference and the specific recipe. Experimenting with different beans can add unique flavors and textures to your dishes.
Don't be afraid to try something new and see what works best for you! Have you tried any of these substitutions before? Share your experiences and suggestions in the comments below!
