If you’re looking for a versatile and wholesome ingredient to add to your meals, cannellini beans are a wonderful choice. Known for their creamy texture and mild, slightly nutty flavor, cannellini beans are perfect in everything from comforting soups to vibrant salads.
This simple recipe highlights their natural flavor and shows off how easy it is to make them the star of your dish.
Not only are cannellini beans delicious, but they’re also packed with nutrients like protein, fiber, and essential minerals, making them an ideal choice for anyone aiming to eat more plant-based meals.
In this recipe, we’ll pair them with a few basic ingredients to create a flavorful and nourishing stew that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover some ways to customize it to suit your taste!
What Makes Cannellini Beans Special?
Cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans, are a type of white bean commonly used in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Their soft, creamy texture makes them ideal for soups and stews, where they can absorb flavors from herbs, spices, and broths.
They’re also rich in plant-based protein and fiber, making them an excellent choice for vegetarian and vegan dishes.
In this recipe, we’ll use simple ingredients like garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of lemon to enhance the natural creaminess of the beans. The result is a comforting, plant-based stew that’s warm, satisfying, and perfect for any time of year.
Hearty Cannellini Bean Stew with Garlic, Herbs, and Citrus
This easy-to-follow recipe brings out the best in cannellini beans with just a few fresh ingredients. It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for various dietary preferences. Plus, the whole dish comes together in about 30 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cannellini Bean
- 2 cups cooked cannellini beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary or thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions of Cannellini Bean
Prepare the Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
This mixture creates a flavorful base for the stew and adds a depth of flavor.
Add the Beans and Herbs
Stir in the cannellini beans, rosemary or thyme sprig, bay leaf, and optional red pepper flakes if you’d like a hint of spice. Allow the beans to cook with the aromatics for a few minutes, letting them absorb the flavors of the garlic and herbs.
Simmer the Mixture
Pour in the vegetable broth or water, bring to a gentle simmer, and let the beans cook for about 10-15 minutes. This step allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and creamy broth around the beans.
For a thicker consistency, gently mash a few of the beans with the back of your spoon; this will release their natural starches and thicken the stew.
Season and Brighten
Season with salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice. The lemon zest and juice add a fresh, bright note that balances the earthy flavors of the beans and herbs. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon as desired.
Finish with Fresh Herbs and Serve
Remove the bay leaf and herb sprig. Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the top, adding a touch of color and fresh flavor. Serve the stew warm with a side of crusty bread or spoon it over rice, quinoa, or couscous for a heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Serve and Customize
This cannellini bean stew is delicious on its own, but it’s also versatile and easy to customize. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Add greens: For a pop of color and extra nutrients, stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking. The greens will wilt into the stew, adding a tender texture and vibrant color.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk, cashew cream, or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for a creamy texture. This addition adds richness and pairs well with the lemon and garlic.
- Top with cheese: For those who enjoy dairy, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled feta can add a delicious savory element to the dish.
- Spice it up: If you love a bit of heat, try adding smoked paprika or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes also works well for a subtle kick.
- Serve with bread: Crusty bread is perfect for dipping, soaking up the rich broth, and adding a rustic touch. You can also serve this stew with crackers, pita bread, or even naan.
Cooking Tips for the Best Cannellini Beans
- Dried vs. Canned: Dried cannellini beans are less processed and can have a creamier texture than canned beans, although they take longer to prepare. If you choose dried beans, soak them overnight and cook them in simmering water until tender (about an hour). Canned beans are a time-saver and work perfectly for this recipe.
- Thoroughly Rinse Canned Beans: If you use canned beans, be sure to drain and rinse them well. This removes excess sodium and any canning liquid, which can alter the flavor of the dish.
- Cook to Your Preferred Consistency: This stew can be adjusted to your texture preferences. Mash a few beans for a thicker, heartier stew, or leave them whole for a lighter consistency.
Nutrition Information of Cannellini Beans
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
| Calories | 220 kcal | 11% |
| Total Fat | 8g | 12% |
| – Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 420mg | 18% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28g | 9% |
| – Dietary Fiber | 8g | 32% |
| – Sugars | 3g | – |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 2800 IU | 56% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 20% |
| Calcium | 90mg | 9% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This cannellini bean stew is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something wholesome, flavorful, and comforting.
Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also nutritious and affordable, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights and relaxed weekends alike. You can keep it vegan, make it extra creamy, or dress it up with your favorite toppings, it’s incredibly versatile!
Health Benefits of Cannellini Beans
- High in Protein: Cannellini beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is crucial for muscle health, especially for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
- Rich in Fiber: With about 10 grams of fiber per cup, cannellini beans can help improve digestion, stabilize blood sugar, and support heart health.
- Full of Essential Nutrients: Cannellini beans provide a good source of iron, magnesium, and folate, all of which are important for maintaining energy, bone health, and a strong immune system.
Let Us Know What You Think!
This cozy cannellini bean recipe is a true comfort food that brings warmth and flavor to your table. It’s a perfect choice for anyone looking to add more plant-based options to their diet without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.
If you try this recipe, leave a comment below to let us know how it turned out, and feel free to share any creative twists you added. We’d love to hear how this dish became part of your recipe collection!
Happy cooking, and enjoy the comforting taste of homemade cannellini bean stew!
FAQ for Cannellini Bean Stew Recipe
Can I use dried cannellini beans instead of canned?
Yes! Soak dried beans overnight, then cook until tender (about 1 hour) before using in the recipe.
How can I make this recipe creamier?
You can add a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream, or mash some of the beans for a thicker consistency.
What herbs can I substitute for rosemary or thyme?
Sage or bay leaf also work well, or you can use a mix of Italian seasoning.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free! Add cheese or meat-based toppings if preferred.
How long will leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; the flavors deepen over time.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Spinach, kale, or diced tomatoes are great additions to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
What can I serve with this stew?
This stew is delicious with crusty bread, over rice, or with a simple side salad for a complete meal.
Cannellini Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked cannellini beans or 1 can, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot diced
- 1 celery stalk diced
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary or thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a hint of heat
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic, diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
- Stir in the cannellini beans, rosemary or thyme sprig, bay leaf, and optional red pepper flakes if you’d like a hint of spice.
- Pour in the vegetable broth or water, bring to a gentle simmer, and let the beans cook for about 10-15 minutes.
- For a thicker consistency, gently mash a few of the beans with the back of your spoon; this will release their natural starches and thicken the stew.
- Season with salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice. The lemon zest and juice add a fresh, bright note that balances the earthy flavors of the beans and herbs.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon as desired.
- Remove the bay leaf and herb sprig. Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the top, adding a touch of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve the stew warm with a side of crusty bread or spoon it over rice, quinoa, or couscous for a heartier meal.
