Cannellini Beans

These small, oval, cream Italian haricot beans have a thin skin, smooth texture and mild, nutty flavour. They are popular in Tuscany in dishes such as tonno e fagioli – a cold tuna and bean salad in a garlic vinaigrette. They are also used in slow-cooked casseroles (especially pork), salads and soups. Small butter beans, navy beans and cannelloni beans can be used interchangeably in recipes.

Cannellini beans are available canned or dried; if purchased dried, they must be soaked for at least 5 hours in cold water and cooked for 60-90 minutes before use.