Canned cannellini beans provide convenience and versatility, so they are loved by many housewives. Their mild flavor and creamy texture suits a wide range of cuisines from Mediterranean to Latin American. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook cannellini beans from a can properly.
1. Are Canned Cannellini Beans Precooked?
Yes, canned cannellini beans are precooked to some degree during the canning process. They are edible straight from the can but redeeming some of their texture and flavor requires brief additional cooking once opened.
2. How To Cook Canned Cannellini Beans
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 15.5-oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped parsley to garnish
Instructions
Heat oil in saucepan over medium heat. Cook onion for 3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Stir in beans, broth, lemon juice and spices. Simmer 10-15 minutes, adding more broth if too thick.
Remove from heat, adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley.
The extra simmering period allows flavors to permeate while the beans absorb surrounding liquids, resulting in a creamy, full-flavored side perfect for pasta, salads, soup and more.
3. Can I Use Canned Cannellini Beans Instead Using Dried Cannellini Bean?
Yes, canned cannellini beans can conveniently be substituted for dried cannellini beans in many recipes, with a few adjustments.
In salads, pastas, grain bowls and similar dishes, canned cannellini beans can directly substitute without issue. Simply drain, rinse and add them right to the dish. Their soft texture blends in seamlessly.
For soups stews and chilis that cook for extended periods, add canned cannellini beans toward the end of cooking, just to heat through. Simmering them too long can lead to excess softening that turns beans to mush.
For baked dishes like veggie burgers or bean frittatta, drain canned cannellini beans well and pat very dry before mixing into batter for best consistency.
Now, you know how to cook canned cannellini bean properly at home. I hope that after reading this article, you can skip lengthy prep times but still enjoy delicious cannellini bean dishes.
