Brothy White Beans with Radicchio | Tried and True Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Which white beans are the healthiest? ›

All beans are rich in fiber, but the top-ranking variety is the navy bean, allegedly named for its popularity in the U.S. Navy in the early 20th century. These pea-sized, cream-colored beans provide 10 grams of fiber per half-cup serving.

Cannellini beans are the largest of the group and because of their traditional kidney shape, they can also be referred to as White Kidney Beans. Meatier than Navy or Great Northern beans, they have a nutty, earthy flavor and tender flesh, and are often used in Italian dishes like Minestrone.

Transfer the soaked beans to a large pot and cover them with 2 inches of water. If you're using unsoaked beans, rinse them in a fine mesh strainer before you add them to the pot. Bring the water to a gentle boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 30 minutes, discarding any foam that rises to the surface.

If a recipe calls for small white beans, it probably refers to Navy beans. This small, white bean is known by many names, including white pea, small white, Boston, Yankee, or fa*gioli. They're called Navy beans, not for their color but their presence as a staple product used by the US Navy.

Is it healthy to eat beans every day? Yes! "Eating beans, including canned beans, every day is one of the best things you can do to help increase nutrients [that you may fall short on] and substantially improve the quality of your diet," says Papanikolaou.

Rich in folate, magnesium, potassium, protein, complex carbs, good fats, iron, copper and other array nutrients, these white flat beans should be part of your regular diet plan for losing weight, maintaining healthy cardiac health, improving brain function, building muscles and repairing tissues.

White beans are a good source of protein. When paired with a proper exercise regimen and nutritious diet, they can promote healthy muscle mass.

Beans, particularly small white navy beans, are full of gut-supporting fibers, amino acids, and other nutrients, which can help the beneficial bacteria in your colon flourish, supporting immune health and regulating inflammation, Daniel-MacDougall explains.

Here's the thing: Beans that have not been soaked ahead of time will always take longer to cook, but they will, indeed, cook.

Overcooked beans are perfectly safe to eat, but while they may be edible, they'll be less pleasant to consume. Signs that your beans are overcooked include them being very soft and mushy. Tender beans are ideal, but if they lack firmness and don't keep their shape, they have probably simmered for too long.

How do you know when white beans are done? ›

If the water level drops below the beans, add more water so the beans are covered at all times. The beans are done cooking when they're all tender; you can test this as they by smooshing a bean or two against the side of the pot with a fork — it should collapse easily, but not be mushy.

GOYA® Navy Beans, also called “small beans,” are very popular in the United States and are part of the variety of beans that GOYA® has for you. These beans are smaller in size than many other types of white beans, and their preparation is very easy and fast because they are ready to use.

Navy (Pea) Beans

White Navy Beans: navy beans have a white or a pale ivory color. These beans are the smallest of other white beans varieties.

Some recipes simply call for “white beans.” This is a general term for great northern beans, navy beans, cannellini beans, and other similar beans.

Beans, such as black beans, garbanzo beans, and lima beans, are amongst the most nutritious foods you can eat. They're rich in fiber, magnesium, potassium, and other nutrients that tend to be low in modern-day diets.

Cooked and pre-soaked cannellini beans are very simple to digest. They're pretty creamy as well. However, it will be best if you soak the cannellini overnight. For example, soak 1 cup of cannellini beans in 4 cups of water for 12 hours in a big basin or saucepan.

According to healthline, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), lentils, peas, kidney beans, and black beans rank as the top five healthiest beans. These varieties tend to be the highest in fiber, folate and protein, and are the most effective at mitigating post-meal blood sugar spikes.

"The difference between the two rests primarily with the heartiness of the cannellini over the northern," explains Vince Hayward, the president of Camellia Brand beans. "Because of the thicker skin, and slightly bolder bean taste, the cannellini lends itself better towards soups and stews," Hayward adds.