Not sure what to do with all those white beans in your pantry? Read on for 14 globally-inspired recipes, including soups, stews, salads, and more.
Ever since I transitioned to a primarily plant-based diet about a decade ago, beans and legumes have been a staple of my meals. They’re full of protein, fiber, and micronutrients, super affordable and sustainable, and they last forever in the pantry. That’s about as super as a superfood gets.
White beans, in particular, have emerged as the beans I turn to the most since they’re a blank canvas. They’re a neutral color and have a relatively neutral flavor, and thus can be turned into so many delicious things.
Types of White Beans
The types of white beans you’re most likely to find on American store shelves are: cannellini (a.k.a. white kidney beans), great northern, navy, and butter beans (a.k.a. mature lima beans).
Cannellini and great northern are similar in shape and size, and can be used interchangeably; navy beans are smaller and a bit more delicate, but can still be used in the same preparations. Butter beans, on the other hand, are the biggest of the group, as well as flatter and with a starchier texture.
Canned vs. Home-Cooked Beans
In a perfect world, we’d all be soaking and cooking beans from scratch. However, cooking dried beans requires planning in advance, as well as a sizable time investment, which is not always practical. Canned beans are just as healthy, easy to use, and taste great. (The only downside is having to clean and recycle all those cans!)
Pro Tip: One standard American 15-ounce can translates to 1.5 cups cooked beans.
Rinsing Canned Beans
Most recipes – well, certainly the ones on my site – require you to drain and rinse canned beans before using them in a recipe. A mesh strainer is the best tool for the job. Be sure to rinse them well under running water to wash off that goopy liquid they’re packed in, and to shake off all the excess water.
Vegan White Bean Recipes
Soups, Stews + Casseroles
Broccoli White Bean Soup
Made with just 6 ingredients.
Tomato Gnocchi Soup
Creamy thanks to coconut milk.
Greek Tomato Baked Butter Beans
A weeknight-friendly version of gigantes plaki.
White Bean Cassoulet
Vegetarian cassoulet with roasted vegetables.
On Bread
Tuscan Beans on Toast
Great for lunch, a midday snack, or even as a party appetizer.
Avocado Bruschetta
Avocado toast upgraded with tomatoes and white beans.
White Bean “Tuna” Salad
A 4-ingredient vegan alternative to tuna salad.
Everything Else
Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip
A smoky, savory homemade dip.
Spicy White Bean “Tuna” Bowls
A speedy and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Cannellini Bean Salad
A Ukrainian-inspired white bean salad with dill.
Tomato Orzo Skillet with White Beans
A weeknight-friendly one pan meal.
Mashed White Beans with Lemon Roasted Broccoli
A nutritious dinner ready in 40 minutes.
Creamy Tomato Beans
A one-pot meal made with pantry staples.
White Bean Purée with Fried Leeks
A surprising alternative to mashed potatoes.
Pasta with Beans and Greens
A hearty pasta that can feed a crowd.
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