Black beans, a nutritionally dense food, are a type of legumes called turtle beans due to their rugged, sturdy, shell-like appearance. Black beans are characteristically different because of their rich black color.
Black beans are known to contain several vital vitamins and minerals that are known to benefit human health and have a mild, earthy flavor that is also sweet.
However, black beans may cause some people intestinal gas and discomfort, so many people do not favor them.
7 Best Best Substitutes for Black Beans
In this article, let us explore the best-known substitutes for Black beans.
Lentils
Lentils (Lens culinaris L.) is one of the traditional crops cultivated by humans and globally consumed leguminous seeds.
Lentils are vegan protein healthy substitute for meat in providing the necessary protein.
They are also a richer source of soluble fiber than peas and chickpeas.
Lentils come in various seed coat colors, including green, tan, brown, or red color. In contrast, the cotyledon exhibited yellow or red color and mostly use in soups, stews, salads, snack foods, and vegetarian dishes.
Summary
Lentils are available in various forms, canned or dry packaged, whole or split, or processed into flour, making an excellent, inexpensive substitute for Black beans.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.), primarily known as garbanzo beans , are rich in protein and have a crunchy, nutty flavor.
Chickpeas are incredibly versatile and can be consumed fresh, dried, or cooked.
Chickpeas are a great source of fiber and plant-based protein.
Chickpeas are also loaded with nutrients, like folate and iron. They readily provide a moderate amount of zinc, thiamin, vitamin B6, and magnesium.
Summary
Chickpeas are extremely versatile and are variously used in soups, stews, salads, and, of course, puréed and mixed with tahini for Hummus bi Tahina, making an excellent substitute for Black beans.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower ( Brassica oleracea in the genus Brassica) is in the Brassicaceae (or Mustard) family is a low-calorie, gluten-free alternative to rice and flour.
Cauliflower is rich in natural antioxidants and vitamins and has a mild flavor.
The Cauliflower’s head is an edible white flesh called “curd,” which has a cheese curd-like appearance.
Cauliflower can be roasted, grilled, boiled, fried, steamed, pickled, or eaten raw.
Summary
Cauliflower takes less time in cooking than black beans and is readily available at market and grocery shops, making a suitable substitute for Black beans.
Pinto Beans
The pinto bean is a common variety of bean, is the most famous bean by crop production and cultivation in Northern Mexico and the Southwestern United States.
Pinto beans are most often eaten whole but can be mashed and then refried.
Pinto beans are nutrient-dense legumes, a protein source, phosphorus and manganese, and very high in dietary fiber and folate.
Summary
Pinto beans are creamier and softer with a nutty flavor and use in cooking like rice and beans, soup, chili, and baked beans and make an effective substitute for Black beans.
Anasazi Beans
Anasazi beans famous for their traditional cultivation, first cultivated in New Mexico thousands of years ago by American Indians.
Anasazi beans are deep maroon flecked with white and are also called Appaloosa beans.
Anasazi beans possess a light, sweet flavor and are used with lime, cilantro, and hot chilies.
Anasazi beans are superfoods rich in protein, fiber, and healthy starch, potassium, iron, and folate.
Summary
Anasazi beans have great digesting properties and thus help greatly in substitute for Black beans.
Northern Beans
Northern Beans are medium-sized white beans that are a bit larger than a navy bean, most commonly used for making baked beans and “pork and beans.”
Northern beans have a lighter flavor with rich nutty flavor, firm flesh, which work in almost every dish, such as Bean salad, Baked beans, Bean dip.
Northern beans are an efficient source of protein .
Great Northern bears are often available dried or canned as well as fresh.
Summary
Northern beans are often used to make soups, stews, ragouts, salads and an excellent substitute for Black beans.
Nuts
Nut, in science, is defined as dry hard fruit that does not split open at maturity to release its single seed.
Often edible oily seeds are called “nuts” and are used in various ways in a dish.
Nuts have beneficial vitamins and minerals, making for extremely low-calorie foods that are great for your health.
Summary
Culinarians use nuts in black beans place, namely cashews and walnuts. Nuts will certainly add a brighter flavor to the plate compared to the mild flavor of beans.
FAQs
Black Beans are healthy and important plant-based foods. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends eating 3 cups of legumes or beans per week; that is why Eating 1/2 cup of beans every day will help you meet your weekly goal.
Black beans contain both soluble and insoluble fiber that helps in healthy digestion and keep you full, thus reducing weight loss.
Bottom Line
Black beans are highly nutritionally rich food that provides a plentiful supply of protein and calories.
There are, however, many substitutes available in place of Black beans with similar nutritional value and taste.
I hope this list helps find you your suitable replacement for black beans. Also, do share your experience and recipes in the comments section.