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Savory Tweaks: 7 BEST Substitutes for Kidney Beans

Have you ever been behind on meal preparation and wanting to make something simple yet satisfying, only to find out that an ingredient in the recipe is missing?

Unfortunately, this can happen.

And if it so happens that the missing ingredient is kidney beans, then you are in luck because we have identified 7 of the best possible substitutes for kidney beans.

But don’t worry! Each substitute still offers a wonderful taste and texture with just a few adjustments.

So no matter what dish you are making—a chili con carne cooked with tomato sauce or a Mexican-style salad dressed with lime juice—we have got your back when it comes to finding that perfect culinary miracle for your plate.

In this blog post, we will share our top picks for replacing kidney beans along with their particular uses so you can be confident about adding them into your recipes!

What are Kidney Beans?

Kidney beans are a type of common bean that gets its name from its shape, which is similar to a kidney.

They are an important food crop in many parts of the world, and their popularity is growing in the United States.

Kidney beans are a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Kidney beans are native to Central and South America.

They were first domesticated by the indigenous peoples of those regions and then spread to other parts of the world by European explorers and traders.

Kidney beans have been an important food crop in many parts of the world for centuries.

Kidney beans have a firm texture and a mild, slightly nutty flavor.

They can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, salads, and rice dishes.

Kidney beans are usually cooked before they are eaten.

7 BEST Substitutes for Kidney Beans

If you are looking for a good substitute for kidney beans, there are several options available.

Here are seven of the best substitutes for kidney beans:

1. Black Beans

There are many different types of beans, each with its own unique flavor and texture.

Black beans are no exception.

These beans have a slightly nutty taste and a firm yet creamy texture.

They are often used in Latin American dishes such as frijoles negros and black bean soup.

If you’re looking for a kidney bean substitute in your next recipe, black beans are a great option.

Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as black beans take longer to cook than other types of beans.

When substituting black beans for kidney beans, start by adding them to your recipe about 10 minutes before the kidney beans are done cooking.

2. Pinto Beans

Pinto beans are a great substitute for kidney beans.

They have a similar taste and can be used in the same dishes.

Pinto beans are also more widely available than kidney beans, making them a good choice if you can’t find kidney beans.

To substitute pinto beans for kidney beans, simply use the same amount of pinto beans as you would kidney beans.

The cooking time will be the same, so there is no need to adjust your recipe.

Pinto beans can be used in any dish that calls for kidney beans, including chili, soup, and stew.

3. Navy Beans

Navy beans are a popular type of bean that is often used in soups and stews.

They have a mild, earthy flavor and a creamy texture.

Navy beans can be substituted for kidney beans in most recipes.

If you’re looking for a bean that has a similar flavor to kidney beans, navy beans are a good option.

They have a milder flavor than kidney beans, so they won’t overpower other flavors in your dish.

Navy beans also have a creamier texture, so they’ll thicken your soup or stew nicely.

To substitute navy beans for kidney beans, simply use an equal amount of navy beans in your recipe.

If you find that the soup or stew is too thick, you can add a bit more liquid to thin it out.

4. Cannellini Beans

If you’re looking for a milder, sweeter-tasting bean, then cannellini beans are the perfect substitute for kidney beans.

They have a smooth texture and a nutty flavor that makes them versatile enough to use in a variety of dishes.

Cannellini beans are also a good source of fiber and protein, making them a healthy option for those looking to add more plant-based foods to their diet.

If you’re substituting cannellini beans for kidney beans in a recipe, you’ll want to use about 1/2 cup of beans for every cup of kidney beans called for.

5. Great Northern Beans

If you’re looking for a kidney bean substitute, Great Northern beans are a good option.

They have a similar texture and taste to kidney beans, making them a good choice for dishes like chili and soup.

Great Northern beans are also larger than most other types of beans, so they can help to bulk up a dish.

When cooked, Great Northern beans have a creamy texture with a mild, slightly sweet flavor.

They hold their shape well, so they’re ideal for dishes where you want the beans to retain their shape.

Great Northern beans can be used in place of kidney beans in most recipes.

To substitute Great Northern beans for kidney beans, simply use an equal amount of beans in the recipe.

If you’re using dried beans, you’ll need to soak and cook them before adding them to the dish.

6. Borlotti Beans

Borlotti beans are a type of Italian kidney bean that is often used in soups and stews.

These beans have a creamy texture and a nutty flavor that makes them a great substitute for kidney beans.

Borlotti beans can be found in most grocery stores, either in the dried bean section or the canned bean aisle.

If you’re looking for a kidney bean substitute that will add some extra flavor to your dish, then borlotti beans are a great option.

These beans have a nutty taste that pairs well with other savory ingredients.

Borlotti beans are also very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and rice dishes.

To substitute borlotti beans for kidney beans, simply use an equal amount of borlotti beans in your recipe.

If you’re using dried beans, make sure to soak them overnight before cooking.

Borlotti beans can also be substituted for other types of beans, such as cannellini beans or Great Northern beans.

7. Anasazi Beans

If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious alternative to kidney beans, look no further than Anasazi beans.

These beans are native to the southwestern United States and have a rich, nutty flavor that goes great in a variety of dishes.

Anasazi beans are also packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making them a healthy option for anyone looking to add more beans to their diet.

So how do Anasazi beans taste? They have a rich, nutty flavor that is similar to kidney beans but with a slightly sweeter finish.

When cooked, these beans hold their shape well, making them perfect for use in salads, soups, or as a side dish.

Anasazi beans are also a good choice for those who are looking for a low-maintenance bean; they don’t need to be soaked overnight like some other types of beans.

Looking to substitute Anasazi beans for kidney beans in a recipe? You can use them interchangeably in most cases.

Just keep in mind that Anasazi beans may take longer to cook than kidney beans, so you may need to adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

We have discussed seven of the best substitutes for kidney beans.

Black beans, pinto beans, navy beans, cannellini beans, Great Northern beans, Borlotti beans, and Anasazi beans are all excellent substitutes that provide similar taste and texture.

Depending on your dish, some of these substitutes may be more or less ideal.

For example, black beans would be a good substitute for chili whereas Cannellini beans would be better in a pasta dish.

Be sure to experiment to find the best substitute for your dish.

7 BEST Substitutes for Kidney Beans

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Substitutes
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • 1. Black Beans
  • 2. Pinto Beans
  • 3. Navy Beans
  • 4. Cannellini Beans
  • 5. Great Northern Beans
  • 6. Borlotti Beans
  • 7. Anasazi Beans

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite ingredient from the list above to use as a substitute.
  • Follow the instructions and use the exact ratio of ingredients as directed.
  • This will help to ensure that your dish turns out just as delicious as it would have with the original ingredient.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!