- What kind of beans should I use?
- Cannellini (white kidney) beans are the most authentic because they have thin skins and creamy interiors. Kidney beans are too robust and starchy for this.
- Won't it be dry?
- Beans can be dry on their own, so it's important to use plenty of tomato sauce and olive oil, along with the richness of the cheese.
Tuscan White Bean & Garlic Pizza
Bean pizza might seem unusual, but in Tuscany, known as the land of 'bean eaters' (Mangiafagioli), it's completely natural. The creamy, starchy texture of white beans works surprisingly well on a crispy crust. It's a hearty, rustic dish that originally served as a filling lunch for farm workers.
Ingredients
10
oz
Pizza Dough
1
cup
Cooked White Beans (Cannellini, canned or pre-cooked)
2/3
cup
Pizza Sauce
7
oz
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
2
oz
Parmesan Cheese
2
tbsp
Olive Oil
10
leaves
Fresh Basil
2
cloves
Garlic
1
pinch
Salt
1
pinch
Pepper
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Colander (for rinsing beans)
- Baking sheet
- Knife
Allergen Information
Wheat
Milk
Instructions
1
✓
Roll out the dough and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Tip: Parchment paper makes cleanup easier and prevents the dough from sticking.
2
✓
Spread the tomato sauce, then season with salt and pepper.
Tip: Beans absorb a lot of salt, so you can season the sauce a bit more boldly.
3
✓
Crush the garlic and scatter it over the sauce.
Tip: Garlic and beans are a classic pairing; they enhance each other.
4
✓
Rinse and drain the beans, then distribute them over the pizza.
Tip: It's important to rinse off the canning liquid, as it can be slimy and have a metallic taste.
5
✓
Sprinkle with Parmesan, then cover with mozzarella.
Tip: The two types of cheese add both texture and flavor: Parmesan for savory depth, mozzarella for the stretch.
6
✓
Drizzle with olive oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes.
Tip: The oil helps prevent the bean skins from drying out and becoming hard in the hot oven.
7
✓
Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.
Tip: The fresh green color breaks up the brownish-red tones of the pizza.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 10 oz Pizza Dough
- 1 cup Cooked White Beans (Cannellini, canned or pre-cooked)
- 2/3 cup Pizza Sauce
- 7 oz Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
- 2 oz Parmesan Cheese
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 10 leaves Fresh Basil
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1 pinch Pepper