Chili is a hearty, protein-packed stew that is a staple in many households. While there are countless variations when it comes to chili recipes, most contain a tomato base, meat like ground beef or chopped stew meat, chili powder, and beans. The use of beans helps make chili a complete meal by adding fiber, protein, and key nutrients. Two of the most popular types of beans used in chili are great northern beans and cannellini beans.
Nutritional Profile
When looking at great northern beans vs cannellini beans, the nutritional profiles are quite similar. According to the USDA, one cup of cooked great northern beans contains:
- Calories: 249
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 44g
- Fiber: 13g
- Calcium: 113mg
- Iron: 5mg
- Magnesium: 120mg
- Potassium: 949mg
A cup of cooked cannellini beans contains:
- Calories: 269
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 47g
- Fiber: 13g
- Calcium: 80mg
- Iron: 3mg
- Magnesium: 120mg
- Potassium: 406mg
As you can see, both types of beans are high in protein and fiber. Great northern beans have slightly fewer calories and carbs than cannellini beans. They also provide more iron and potassium. However, cannellini beans contain more calcium. Overall, the nutritional profiles of these two beans are very similar.
Flavors and Textures
In addition to nutrition, we also need to consider the flavors and textures that each type of bean contributes to chili. Here is how great northern and cannellini beans compare:
Great Northern Beans
– Have a very mild, somewhat sweet flavor
– Soft, creamy texture when cooked
– Easily absorb flavors from other chili ingredients
– Provide a smooth, velvety texture to chili
Cannellini Beans
– Earthier, more robust bean flavor
– Hold their shape well when cooked
– Slightly firmer texture than great northerns
– Contribute pleasant bean flavor that stands out
So while great northern beans tend to blend into the background, cannellini beans will retain their texture and flavor more in finished chili. Which you prefer comes down to personal tastes.
Cost Comparison
Another factor that home cooks may consider is the cost of each type of bean. Here is an overview of the typical pricing:
| Bean Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Dried Great Northern Beans | $1.29 – $1.99 per pound |
| Canned Great Northern Beans | $0.79 – $1.29 for 15 oz can |
| Dried Cannellini Beans | $1.79 – $2.49 per pound |
| Canned Cannellini Beans | $0.99 – $1.79 for 15 oz can |
Based on typical pricing, great northern beans tend to cost a little less than cannellini beans. The difference isn’t huge, but it could make great northerns the more budget-friendly choice for recipes like chili.
Cooking Considerations
There are some differences when it comes to actually cooking great northern vs cannellini beans:
Great Northern Beans
– Typically do not require pre-soaking before cooking
– Cook faster than other bean varieties
– Better suited for slow-cooking methods
– Can withstand longer cooking times without breaking down too much
Cannellini Beans
– Require an overnight pre-soak for even cooking
– Take longer to soften during cooking compared to great northerns
– Hold their shape well when cooked
– Not well suited for extremely long cooking times
Due to their quicker cooking time and ability to stay intact, great northern beans tend to be a bit easier to work with in dishes like chili that benefit from longer cooking methods. Cannellini beans take some additional planning with the pre-soaking.
Common Uses
In addition to being used in chili, both great northern and cannellini beans are common ingredients in a range of dishes:
Great Northern Beans
– Baked beans
– Soups like senate bean soup
– Bean salads
– Fritters and veggie patties
– Pureed for dips
Cannellini Beans
– Minestrone soup
– Pasta e fagioli
– Italian-style baked beans
– Tuscan bean soup
– Bean spreads and dips
As you can see, both bean varieties are versatile pantry staples used in a variety of cuisines. However, great northern beans tend to be more prominent in American cooking, while cannellini beans are especially popular in Italian dishes.
Appearance
Here is a visual comparison of dried and cooked great northern vs cannellini beans:
Dried Beans
– Great northern beans are medium-sized and oval shaped with a solid white color.
– Cannellini beans are slightly larger and more kidney shaped. They are off-white with a brownish speckled exterior.
Cooked Beans
– Great northerns are bright white in color with a smooth, creamy texture.
– Cooked cannellini beans are pale white and hold their shape well, with a firmer texture.
So great northern beans have a classic bright white bean appearance, while cannellini beans showcase their signature speckled look.
Availability
In most grocery stores, you’ll typically find:
- Great northern beans in the dried bean section and canned bean aisle
- Cannellini beans sold dried, canned, and sometimes pre-cooked in tetra packs
Both great northern and cannellini beans are widely available. Great northerns may have an edge in availability since they are a very common staple bean. But cannellini beans have also gained mainstream popularity for use in Italian cooking.
Conclusion
So should you choose great northern or cannellini beans for your next pot of chili? Overall, the beans have a lot of similarities.
Great northern beans may have a slight edge when it comes to:
- Being easier to cook without pre-soaking
- Holding up well to longer cooking times
- Having a slightly lower cost
- Blending smoothly into the chili
Meanwhile, cannellini beans offer:
- A fuller bean flavor
- A firmer texture
Whichever you choose, both beans make excellent additions to chili. For a fuller bean flavor that remains intact, cannellini beans are a great choice. But for a creamier, smoother texture, you can’t go wrong with great northern beans.
The ideal approach may be to make two pots of chili and compare! Try one batch with great northern beans and one with cannellini. See which bean variety you prefer in your perfect bowl of chili.