Fagioli al Caviale (White Beans with Caviar)

Fagioli al Caviale (White Beans with Caviar)

Fagioli al Caviale (White Beans with Caviar)
Inspired by Sophia Loren

“At first glance, the pairing of caviar with beans might seem sinful. But remember the Cinderella story, and the splendid prince who falls in love with the humble, poor-as-a-church-mouse Cinderella. Well, marrying beans with caviar has the same charm,” says Sophia Loren, in her book Recipes & Memories published by GT Publishing Corporation 1998.

Pairing caviar with beans is an excellent choice for the holidays because it blends sophistication with simplicity, creating a dish that feels both special and approachable.

Caviar brings a touch of luxury, making the dish feel celebratory and indulgent—perfect for holiday gatherings. Cannellini beans, on the other hand, offer a creamy, comforting base, which resonates with the warmth and coziness of the season.

Sophia Loren - A scene from Scandal in Sorrento 1955.
Sophia Loren – A scene from Scandal in Sorrento 1955. Photo from her cookbook.

Fagioli al Caviale Recipe

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Braised Swordfish, White Beans


Fresh Pacific Swordfish
Braised in Tomato Jalapeño Caper Sauce
Over Cannellini Drizzled with Olive Oil
Chervil Garnish

A recipe in the January issue of Food & Wine caught my eye. They made theirs with penne pasta and flaked the swordfish. Here I serve the intact filet over white beans. The swordfish is braised in a zesty tomato sauce with anchovy, garlic, jalapeño, capers and white wine.

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Wild Salmon, Cannellini Bean Basil Broth


Heart Healthy Wild Salmon, Cannellini Bean Basil Broth

I having been preparing and photographing some heart healthy dishes. This one is a flavorful low-fat/low-sodium chicken broth with cannellini beans, minced garlic sautéed in extra virgin olive oil, with rough chopped fresh basil. This earthy soup is topped with crispy-skin fresh wild salmon rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Health Benefits of Cannellini Beans

These beans are low-fat, high in fiber and provide a high quality of magnesium, fiber, iron and folate. They help cut cholesterol. The beans fiber binds to fat to help flush it from the body. It’s also loaded with folate which helps lower levels of homocysteine, which clogs arteries. From Today’s Women & Health.



I am submitting this photo to the CLICK theme-based monthly food photography event for this month, which features any and all kinds of beans ‘n lentils.