5 from 93 votes
Cannellini Beans Recipe
This Cannellini Beans Recipe prepares tender white beans simmered slowly with aromatics like onion, garlic, and herbs in olive oil and chicken stock. The long, gentle cooking develops creamy bean texture and delicate flavor, enhanced by the bouquet garni. It's a savory bean dish ideal on its own or as a side, with flexible seasoning and soaking steps.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
3 hrs
Additional Time
8 hrs
Total Time
11 hrs 13 mins
Servings:
8
Calories:
289 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ yellow onion , chopped
- 4 cloves garlic , peeled and smashed
- 1 pound cannellini beans rinsed, picked over, and soaked in water by 2 inches for 8 hours up to 24 hours, dried
- 4-6 cups water
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 bouquet garni , or bay leaf and sprigs of thyme, parsley, rosemary, or marjoram
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
Instructions
- In a large, heavy bottom pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant and the onions soften. Add the cannellini beans with their water and the chicken stock. Add more water to cover the beans by 3 inches. Add the bouquet garni or herbs on their stems with the kosher salt. Bring to a boil. Skim off the foam and discard. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook at a gentle simmer for about 2 hours. Add more water if needed to keep the beans submerged.
- Once the beans are cooked to your desired tenderness, remove them from the heat and discard the bouquet garni (or herb stems). Taste for seasoning and add more salt if needed. Serve immediately or at room temperature, and refrigerate the leftover beans in their cooking liquid for up to 1 week.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Soak the beans for at least 8 hours before cooking to shorten the cooking time and soften the beans.
- If preferred, use quartered onion to more easily remove it after cooking.
- Store leftover beans in their cooking liquid in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Calories
289kcal
(14%)
Carbohydrates
37g
(12%)
Protein
14g
(28%)
Fat
10g
(15%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Cholesterol
1mg
(0%)
Sodium
932mg
(39%)
Potassium
1092mg
(23%)
Fiber
9g
(36%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
141IU
(3%)
Vitamin C
2mg
(2%)
Calcium
179mg
(18%)
Iron
8mg
(44%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 289
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 289kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 12% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 1mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 932mg | 39% |
| Potassium | 1092mg | 23% |
| Fiber | 9g | 36% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 141IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 179mg | 18% |
| Iron | 8mg | 44% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.