You Want to Make These Crispy Roasted White Beans!

are you always looking for a guilt-free snack that you actually want to snack on?

Come mid-afternoon, without fail, I find myself opening pantry and refrigerator doors, staring into the abyss and hoping that a unicorn snack – one that will stave off hanger with zero remorse – will magically appear. And it’s not like I don’t know exactly what is in said pantry and fridge.

So when a recipe comes along that checks both boxes you can best believe I’m going to make it, sample it and share it with you!

crispy white beans for the WIN!

A number of years ago I shared a recipe for roasted crispy chickpeas – it is still one of my favorite recipes but it takes a LONG time – like, roast for 40 minutes, leave in the turned off oven for an hour, and then cool completely LONG. Perfect if I’m serving with drinks for guests, etc., but not when I want something fast and easy for me.

This bean recipe is ready in 30 minutes and is seriously addictive!

what ingredients do you need?

You just need 3 simple ingredients to make this recipe:

• can of cannellini beans
• olive oil (regular or extra virgin olive oil)
• kosher salt and black pepper (yes I consider salt and pepper one ingredient!)

That’s the basic list. But of course you’ll want to add your own spin. The mild flavour of the beans lends itself to almost anything you’d like to include! Here are some of my favorite add-ons:

• crushed garlic cloves
• sturdy herbs like rosemary or thyme
• red pepper flakes
• lemon zest

how do you make them?

The two tips for the best crispy texture are: 1) a very hot oven, and 2) very dry beans.

Start by rinsing and draining your can of beans, and spreading onto a clean kitchen towel. Pat them well and let them sit to air dry for as long as you can (this will totally depend on how hungry you are!).

Transfer the beans to a baking sheet and toss with a little oil, salt and pepper, and your seasonings. Spread in an even layer, giving them plenty of space, and pop the sheet pan in the oven.

Bake, stirring once or twice, till golden brown – about 30 minutes.

It’s that easy!

how do you serve crispy beans?

TBH, I usually pour them in a small dish and eat them in one sitting (and by “sitting”, I mean standing over the counter).

BUT. There is nothing these cuties don’t pair well with. Think of them as you would any crunchy little snack and run with that! Over a salad or grain bowl, with a fried egg, tossed atop your favorite soup, or passed with a cocktail.

don’t stop with cannellini beans!

It just gets better, because in addition to this recipe being both vegan AND gluten free, it will work with any beans you like. Crispy butter beans, garbanzo beans, black beans are all yours for the making! Experiment with leftover beans and see what you prefer – this is a very versatile recipe!

Let me know if you try them, and what flavorings you use!