The kidney beans are various common bean (P. Vulgaris) legumes because of their visual resemblance to kidney-like shape and color. Kidney beans are a nutritional powerhouse with an excellent soluble fiber source.
However, Kidney beans contain antinutrients that may induce bloating, flatulence, and diarrhea in some people.
7 Best Substitutes for Kidney Beans
In this article, let us explore the best-known substitutes for Kidney beans.
Black Beans
Black beans are a type of legumes called turtle beans due to their rugged, sturdy, shell-like appearance.
Black beans are highly nutritionally rich food that provides a plentiful supply of protein and calories.
Black beans are said to have a mild, earthy flavor that is also sweet. Black beans are used in hot recipes such as soups, daal, and salads or prepared cold dishes like black bean salads.
Summary
Black beans are commonly available in various forms, such as canned, dried flakes, and even pre-made pasta noodles and are readily available throughout the year, making them an excellent substitute for kidney beans.
Red Beans
Red beans, also called Adzuki beans, are relatively small and crimson shade beans.
Red beans are rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant-based compounds.
Red beans and kidney beans have the same protein level, and their nutrients density closely resembles kidney beans.
Red beans are variedly used in chilies, stews, soups, and salads as well.
Summary
Red beans are also used to fill steamed buns, add flavor in candies and confectionery, and ice cream; they also make a great topping for pancakes and waffles. Red beans are variedly used in chilies, stews, soups, and salads as well.
Pinto Beans
The pinto bean is a common variety of bean known for Pinto, the Spanish word for paint, because of their distinct brown, streaky color present when they are raw.
Once cooked, Pinto beans give a solid reddish-brown color similar to red beans and kidney beans.
Pinto beans are a protein source, phosphorus and manganese, and very high in dietary fiber and folate.
Pinto beans have rich flavor and texture, as they are creamier and softer with a nutty flavor.
Summary
Pinto beans are versatile and prominently used in cooking like rice and beans, soup, chili, and baked beans. The dried pinto bean is commonly used reconstituted especially refried beans, making them an excellent substitute for Kidney beans.
White Beans
White beans are more widely known as cannellini beans, are also a good substitute for kidney beans.
Cannellini beans are also called the “Italian White Kidney Bean.” They are relatively kidney-shaped with squarish ends and are creamy-white.
There are other varieties of white beans.
Northern Beans are medium-sized, have a nutty flavor, firm flesh, work in almost every dish, such as Bean salad, Baked beans, Bean dip.
Navy beans, also known as pea beans, are small, oval, have a mild flavor, and are most commonly used for baked beans and certain soups.
Summary
Canned white beans require minimal preparation to add more flavor and texture; they make an excellent substitute for Kidney beans with their vivid availability.
Anasazi Beans
Anasazi beans are known name for their traditional cultivation, first cultivated in New Mexico thousands of years ago.
Anasazi beans have lovely speckled coloring – deep maroon flecked with white and are sometimes called Appaloosa beans.
Anasazi beans are Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy starch, like all beans also rich in potassium, iron, and folate.
Summary
Anasazi beans are a staple food that has great digesting-producing properties. They substitute recipes that call for kidney beans like hot chilies, lime, and cilantro with their sweet flavor.
Borlotti Beans
Borlotti beans are a variety of cranberry beans bred in Italy to have a thicker skin.
Borlotti beans are used in Italian cooking, Portuguese (Catarino bean), Turkish, and Greek cuisine.
These beans have a sweetish flavor with a smooth, creamy texture. However, after cooking, the specks vanish, and the beans take on a more even, darker color.
Summary
Borlotti beans are used in salads, soups, pasta, and casseroles. When dry, they need to be soaked in cold water before cooking.
Chickpea
Chickpeas, known as garbanzo beans , are an annual plant of the legume family widely known for their culinary incorporation.
Chickpeas have a rich nutty flavor; they are incredibly versatile and can be consumed fresh, dried, or cooked.
Summary
Chickpeas are a rich protein source comprising high carbohydrates and unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals and are a great substitute for Kidney beans.
FAQs
Nutritionists recommend kidney beans as a rich source of protein source or a vegetable.
It is suggested to at least have a half-cup of beans per day to improve overall health.
Raw kidney beans very high amounts of phytohemagglutinin that are highly toxic; soaking beans overnight helps get rid of toxins and helps in the easy cooking of beans.
Bottom Line
Kidney beans are inexpensive, easily available, and versatile sources of nutrients with substantial nutritional and health benefits.
There are, however, many substitutes available in place of Kidney beans with similar nutritional value and taste. I hope this list helps find you your suitable replacement for Kidney beans. Also, do share your experience and recipes in the comments section.