Red Beans

What Is Red Kidney Bean?

Red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is a dark red-skinned, kidney-shaped dried bean variety; it's known internationally as “red kidney bean.” It's related to pinto beans and other dried beans.

Thanks to its thick skin and firm texture, it holds its shape without falling apart even during long cooking; that's why it's preferred in chili con carne, salads, and bean stews. Cooking it properly is important for this legume.

Nutritional Value of Red Kidney Bean

100 grams of dried red kidney bean contains about 333 kcal of energy, 24 g of protein, and 25 g of fiber; it's also rich in iron and folate. With its high protein and fiber content, it's one of the staple sources of plant-based nutrition.

What Are the Benefits of Red Kidney Bean?

With its high protein, fiber, and iron content, red kidney bean can be considered a satiating part of a balanced, plant-forward diet.

This information is general; red kidney bean is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. Raw or undercooked dried red kidney beans can cause indigestion, so they must be boiled thoroughly.

How Is Red Kidney Bean Selected?

Good red kidney beans should have plump, shiny grains of similar size and no cracks. Shriveled, holed (infested), or pale grains are not preferred.

• Grains should be plump, shiny, and similar in size
• Holes/dust indicate infestation; don't buy them
• Color should be vivid dark red

How Is Red Kidney Bean Stored?

Dried red kidney bean keeps for a long time in a sealed jar in a dry, cool place; it should be protected from moisture and infestation. The cooked version keeps a few days in the fridge and longer in the freezer.

Using Red Kidney Bean in the Kitchen

Red kidney bean is used in chili, dried bean stew, salad, bean stews, and soups; thanks to its shape-holding structure it stands out in cold salads. It's soaked and boiled thoroughly before use.

How Is Red Kidney Bean Boiled?

The bean soaked overnight has its water drained, then it's boiled in fresh water with the foam skimmed off, cooked thoroughly until the grain is completely soft; cooking it well is important for both flavor and safety.

Why Should Red Kidney Bean Be Well Cooked?

Raw or undercooked dried red kidney beans contain compounds that make digestion difficult; boiling them thoroughly largely neutralizes these and makes the beans comfortable to eat.

What Recipes Is Red Kidney Bean Used In?

Chili con carne, dried beans, bean salad, Mexican rice, and bean soup are the best-known uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are red kidney beans and pinto beans the same?

Both are varieties of the same species (Phaseolus vulgaris); red kidney beans are darker and solid-colored, while pinto beans are speckled. They're cooked similarly.

Should red kidney beans be soaked?

Yes; soaking overnight both shortens cooking time and ensures more even, thorough cooking.

Why don't red kidney beans fall apart?

Thanks to their thick skin and firm texture, they hold their shape even during long cooking; this makes them ideal for salads and chili.

Is canned red kidney bean already cooked?

Canned red kidney bean is precooked; once drained and rinsed, it can be added directly to dishes.