5.0 from 3 votes
How to Cook White Beans?
These creamy, tender white beans are for meal prep and quick dinners. Cooking white beans on the stovetop is easy and cost-effective. With just a few basic ingredients and patience, you'll have perfectly cooked beans ready to use in salads, soups and stews.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Soaking time
6 hrs
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 4
Calories: 168 kcal
Course:
Side Dish , Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried cannellini beans or other white beans
- 3 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 prig rosemary optional
- 2 cloves garlic optional
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Soak the beans in plenty of water overnight or at least 6 hours. This step is required to ensure even cooking and better digestion. Drain any remaining soaking water.
- Add the drained beans and fresh water to a pot or Dutch oven (about 3 cups for 1 cup of beans).
- Season the beans with salt and optionally add a sprig of rosemary and garlic.
- Bring to a boil over high flame, then reduce the flame to low.
- Partially cover the pot and let the beans simmer on low heat. Stir occasionally to cook them evenly.
- There will be white foam formed on the top. Skim that with a ladle and discard.
- This process should take about 50-60 minutes, depending on the type of beans and their age. Beans should be tender but not mushy when done.
- Taste to check if they're done. If they're still too firm, keep simmering and check every 15 minutes until they're tender. Add more water if the beans are not covered in liquid.
- Once the beans are cooked, remove the herb and you can drain any remaining liquid. Enjoy the beans in stews, soups, white chili, or salads.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Cooking time: It may vary depending on the age of the beans and altitude.
- Cooking time: It may vary depending on the age of the beans and altitude.
- Wash: Always wash dried beans before soaking to remove any dirt or discolored beans.
- Don't overcook: Don't cook beans too long unless you're making a dip or spread; they might crack and lose shape.
- Quick soak method: For quicker preparation, use the quick soak method: soak beans in boiling water for an hour, and then proceed with cooking.
- Leftover beans: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Leftover beans: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Seasoned white beans: Soak and drain the beans; then sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add beans, water or stock, bay leaf, and optional herbs (rosemary, thyme, marjoram, or sage); bring to a boil, then simmer until tender. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve as a side dish.
Nutrition Information
Calories
168kcal
(8%)
Carbohydrates
30g
(10%)
Protein
12g
(24%)
Fat
0.4g
(1%)
Saturated Fat
0.1g
(1%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.2g
Monounsaturated Fat
0.04g
Sodium
311mg
(13%)
Potassium
907mg
(26%)
Fiber
8g
(32%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
2IU
(0%)
Vitamin C
0.01mg
(0%)
Calcium
129mg
(13%)
Iron
5mg
(28%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 168
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 168kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 30g | 10% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Fat | 0.4g | 1% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.04g | 0% |
| Sodium | 311mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 907mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 8g | 32% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 2IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.01mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 129mg | 13% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.