Sometimes when you read a recipe, it simply calls for “white beans.” But when you head to the grocery store, you probably won’t see jars, cans or bags labeled so simply. No, you’ll find a bewildering world of things labeled great northern white beans, navy beans, cannellini beans and more. While these are all technicallywhite beans,these aren’t just different names for the same type of bean. In fact, each of these is actually a distinct varietal.
So, which one should you pick up for your next recipe?
Cannellini Beans
Cannellini beans are the largest of the three, with thin skin and a smooth, silky interior. They’re often used when you want the bean to retain their traditional kidney shape, like in salads or other recipes where beans are kept whole. The cannellini bean boasts an earthy flavor that makes them very common in Italian cooking, especially when paired with chicken or fish. No wonder it is known as the “Italian White Kidney Bean”.
Navy Beans
In contrast, navy beans are most popular in American recipes. Dubbed the “Boston bean”, these small oval beans are a standard in an American-staple dish: baked bean. Navy beans don’t need their full shape and texture to shine in a dish, and often work best when pureed or cooked to a very soft consistency. These beans are right at home in soups and stews.
Great Northern Beans
But if you’re looking for just one bean to keep on your pantry shelves, you’ll want to go with the great northern white bean. With its nutty flavor, firm flesh and medium size, great northern beans work in almost any application. Bean salad? Perfect. Baked beans? Fabulous. Bean dip? That nutty taste will give it a little something special.
Want to see their versatility for yourself? Why don’t you try them for dinner tonight? How about some Southwest White Chicken Chili? Maybe some Great Northern Beans in Tomato and Garlic Sauce is more up your alley. How about stepping out of the box and trying a Great Northern Bean Pizza?
Randall Great Northern Beans come fully cooked and ready to eat. Find a store that carries these delicious beans near you.
For great white bean recipes for every occasion, be sure to check out the Randall Beans Recipe Blog for weekly updates!
This recipe can be made with either Randall Great Northern Beans or the Randall Organic Great Northern Beans.
What is a White Bean?
Some recipes simply call for “white beans.” This is a general term for great northern beans, navy beans, cannellini beans, and other similar beans. While these are all technically white beans, they all have distinct differences.
What is a Cannellini Bean?
Cannellini beans are the largest white bean, with thin skin and a smooth, silky interior. They’re often used when you want the bean to retain their traditional kidney shape, like in salads or other recipes where beans are kept whole.
What is a Navy Bean?
Navy beans are most popular in American recipes and dubbed the “Boston bean”. These beans are right at home in soups and stews and often work best when pureed or cooked to a very soft consistency.
What is a Great Northern Bean?
Great northern beans have a distinct nutty flavor, firm flesh, and medium-size that help them work in almost any application. Great northern beans are great in bean salad, baked beans, dips, soups, stews and, more.
