This Garlic & Cannellini Bean Saute was paired with the Pan Seared Mediterranean Rockfish recipe, the flavors were made to go together!

Let’s Get to the Details

• Cannellini Beans are Italian Aren’t They?
• Traversing the Atlantic
• What Makes Cannellini Beans So Popular?
• Not Just an Italian Favorite
• Recipe

Cannellini Beans are Italian Aren’t They?

The cannellini bean is found in many Italian recipes such as Tuscan Stewed Beans otherwise known as Fagioli all’Uccelletto. A simple recipe recipe that is made from cannellini beans, passata (crushed strained tomatoes), garlic, olive oil and sage.

Cannellini beans origin gets a bit cloudy depending on where you look. The location of where they were originally harvested points three directions. Italy isn’t the only country where they are grown and are found in food heritage. Argentina actually lays claim to the bean origins. Yet, the Argentinian name for the Cannellini Bean is Alubia, this name has origins to the Middle East.

Traversing the Atlantic

So what direction did the white bean travel? From Italy or the Middle East to South America? Because of Italy’s known use of the Cannellini Bean and the explorers leaving Europe in the 1500s it may seem to be the case, it’s actually not. White beans were first cultivated in South America and brought back to Europe with the return of the explorers.

Most likely, the Middle Eastern name Alubia was brought to South America via the Spanish travelers. Since Spain and Portugal had been occupied by the Moors, a European term for Muslim influence. It is possible that the name was adopted into Spanish language and became known as a bean.

What Made Cannellini Beans So Popular?

Also known as a White Kidney Bean, these beans when cooked are slightly nutty, mild flavor that has a fluffy texture. These beans are great to use in stews, sautees, and braises. Because of their creamy texture, the bean pairs well with numerous spices and ingredients.

Upon the Cannellini Bean being brought back to Italy it found its new home in the Florence region. The Medici family ruled Florence and when Catherine Medici became Queen of France, she brought with her her Italian family chefs. The Medici family’s love of Cannellini Beans along with the culinary influences Catherine Medici brought to France, it is no wonder the Cannellini Bean can be found in such French classic dishes such as Cassoulet.

Not Just an Italian Favorite

Since trade routes around the mediterranean into Egypt and other Muslim countries were established, the Cannellini Bean was introduced and became a favorite bean there as well. The climate proved perfect to grow the bean. Alubia or white beans can be found in many recipes around the Middle East.

The white bean can be found from South America, Spain, Italy, France, the Middle East and of course it made its way to the U.S. with Italian immigrants.

Whatever the cultural cuisine you are accustomed to, the use of White Kidney Beans, Cannellini Beans or Alubia Beans have probably been used at one time or another.

Enjoy this recipe for Garlic & Cannellini Bean Saute!