Let’s say you’re making that viral white bean salad. You run to the pantry, and—gasp—no cannellini. What do you do? You don’t cry, that’s what.
You can use great northern beans or even navy beans. They’re not identical twins, but they’re family. Your dish will be slightly different, but still delicious.
If you want the real deal, hunt down cannellini. They’re worth the hunt, I promise. They’re like the cashmere of beans.
The “Um, Actually” Bean Fact
Did you know that cannellini beans are actually a type of common bean? It’s true! The species is Phaseolus vulgaris.
That puts them in the same species as black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans. They’re all cousins at the same family reunion. Awkward, but true.
So when you eat cannellini beans, you’re eating a relative of chili beans. Mind blown? Mine was. I need a nap now.
