12 Best Kidney Bean Recipes

If you can find a can of kidney beans in your pantry, you’re well on your way to preparing a healthy, wholesome meal. We’ve rounded up 12 of the Best Kidney Bean Recipes that are easy to make at home.

These beans are quite nutritious and can be used in so many delicious and unexpected ways. For vegans (or for those who practice Meatless Monday), kidney beans are a tasty source of plant-based protein.

At the grocery store, you’re likely to find both red and white kidney beans, though the white ones are sometimes called cannellini beans. Both varieties can be used to make hearty, nourishing dishes the entire family will love.

Kidney Bean Nutrition and Benefits

Kidney beans are one of the healthiest plant-based sources of protein. Eating kidney beans on a regular basis can improve your overall health by reducing cholesterol and lowering your risk of heart disease. Kidney beans are also known to help prevent colon cancer, thanks to its high fiber content. These beans are also high in minerals like iron and folate, as well as Vitamin B1.

How to Cook Kidney Beans?

If you’ll be using dry kidney beans for any of these recipes, you’ll need to cook them first. Soak the beans for at least 5 hours before heading to the stove. This helps to speed up the cooking process. Fill a large pot with water and throw in the beans. If you wish, you can add salt or seasonings to the water. If you do, remember to reduce the amount of salt you’re using for the rest of the recipe. Cook the beans for about an hour. Test for softness using a fork. If they’re not ready yet, check on them every five to ten minutes until they’re cooked.

Red Kidney Beans Recipes

Kidney Bean Salad

This colorful salad is loaded with flavors and packed with proteins. It’s simple and easy to make, perfect for a healthy and light lunch!

Indian Kidney Bean Coconut Curry

This rich, flavorful curry is known as rajma chawal in India. With red kidney beans, Indian spices and coconut cream, you can recreate this authentic recipe in your own kitchen.

Instant Pot Kidney Beans

The Instant Pot makes cooking kidney beans a breeze! With this “set it and forget it” recipe, you’ll have tasty red kidney beans ready for your chili con carne or bean salad.

Kidney Bean Chili with Beef

This meaty meal is perfect for rainy nights at home with the family.  With simple, wholesome ingredients and just 10 minutes of prep, you’ll come back to this recipe time and time again.

Cajun Style Vegan Kidney Beans and Rice

Take your tastebuds on a culinary journey to NOLA with this Cajun-inspired recipe. Meatless Monday will never be the same!

White Kidney Bean Recipes

Easy White Kidney Beans and Spinach Soup

Tired of the same old boring soup recipes? Try something totally new with this flavorful and nutritious white kidney bean and spinach soup.

Easy White Bean Dip

Enjoy this gluten-free, hummus-like dip with chips, crackers or toast. This recipe is great for vegans or anyone following the Mediterranean diet.

White Beans with Tomatoes and Garlic

This simple recipe makes a delicious vegan-friendly side dish for so many of your favorite meals. All you need is a can of beans, seasonings and thirty minutes.

Easy Cannellini Bean Salad

If you have five minutes, you have enough time to make this simple, satisfying salad. Bid adieu to boring bean salads forever!

Easy Canned Kidney Beans Recipes

Puerto Rican Rice and Beans

Known as Habichuelas in Puerto Rico, this stew gives you all the flavor and spice of the Caribbean. Enjoy as a quick weeknight dinner and use the leftovers for lunch tomorrow!

Chili Party Ring

Get the party started with this impressive chili dog skillet ring! Guests will love pulling apart the bread ring and dipping into the meaty, cheesy chili in the middle.

Red Kidney Beans Curry with Canned Beans

When time is of the essence, use a can of red kidney beans to create this flavorful curry. In less than thirty minutes, you’ll have a wholesome meal on the table.

Are Kidney Beans Healthy?

When it comes to beans, kidney beans may be your healthiest choice. They’re a plant-based source of protein and provide the body with several vitamins and minerals to support overall health. Kidney beans have been known to help with reducing cholesterol and increasing healthy gut bacteria for your digestive health.

Are Kidney Beans Keto?

If you’re following a ketogenic lifestyle, you may want to avoid kidney beans, or eat them sparingly. These beans are fairly high in carbohydrates, with one cup containing almost 30g of carbs. It’s best to have a low-carb alternative such as green beans or black soybeans.

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