These large white beans have a rich, creamy texture. They are available canned or dried - dried beans must be soaked and cooked before use. Cannellini or borlotti beans can be substituted for butter beans in many recipes.
What are white beans in the UK?
Probably the most common canned white bean in the UK is the canellini bean (sometimes called white kidney beans in the US) and this would be a popular choice for most people. However you could use other beans and canned haricot beans would be a good alternative. In the US these are usually known as navy beans.
Are cannellini beans and white beans the same thing?
Cannellini Beans. 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.