If you’ve got a can of red kidney beans (or a bag of kidney beans) in your pantry, you’re probably wondering if there are any interesting kidney bean recipes out there.
Kidney beans are packed full of nutrition, but in addition to being good for you, kidney beans have loads of flavor and a wonderful texture. Traditional chili is usually made with kidney beans, but you can technically use kidney beans in any recipe that calls for pinto beans or garbanzo beans.
The good news is that there are tons of red kidney beans recipe ideas you can try.
Kidney beans, a versatile and nutritious ingredient, offer a world of possibilities when it comes to creating delicious and satisfying meals. Rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, these legumes are not only a staple in various cuisines but also a popular choice among those seeking healthy and budget-friendly options for their meal plans.
The following recipes showcase the diverse ways kidney beans can be incorporated into a wide range of dishes, from comforting soups to hearty salads, and even scrumptious desserts. Whether you are a long-time fan of these flavorful beans or simply looking to expand your culinary repertoire, these kidney bean recipes will surely pique your interest and delight your taste buds.
So, without further ado, let us delve into the world of kidney bean recipes and explore the delectable dishes that await you. Prepare to be inspired and get ready to whip up some amazing meals that will not only please the palate but also nourish the body.
On the internet, there are recipes for kidney beans galore, from Louisiana red beans and rice to a simple red bean pasta salad and classic homemade chili.
Recipes with kidney beans can save your dinner, and a good kidney bean recipe also makes an excellent Meatless Monday meal.
Whatever you’re craving, there are kidney beans recipes on this list for you and your family.
Who knew you could enjoy a delicious curry made with red kidney beans? And who doesn’t love curry?
Sometimes called curry or curry, traditional Afghan lubya curry is made with coconut oil, cumin, coriander, dried mint, canned tomatoes, red onion, minced garlic, black pepper, and cilantro.
Serve this delicious kidney bean curry over basmati rice (or other white rice), brown rice, or cauliflower rice. Curry is also great when served with crusty bread.
Cooking Louisiana red beans and rice is a classic way to use canned kidney beans or dry beans.
For red beans and rice, you can use any type of meat for seasoning, although andouille sausage is used traditionally. Try using shrimp, beef, diced ham (or other pork), and more. Be sure to serve these red beans over rice.
We love one pot recipes, and this kidney beans recipe fits the bill.
These kidney beans have a wonderful Mediterranean flavor, with onion, garlic, turmeric, tomato paste, cumin, dried mint, Italian seasoning, cilantro, and black pepper.
Serve these kidney beans over rice or as a soup. Also, you don’t necessarily need soaked beans for this recipe.
For this kidney bean salad, you need cooked kidney beans, fresh corn kernels, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, green onions (scallions), chopped cilantro, lime zest, fresh lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and salt and black pepper.
This summer salad is perfect to serve with any type of BBQ or ground beef recipe, and you can make it without cooking kidney beans. Just use canned kidney beans.
No list of kidney bean recipes would be complete without a homemade chili recipe.
For this chili made with chili powder, you need kidney beans, but you can also add in some pinto beans or black beans to make this traditional chili recipe even heartier.
Other ingredients include red bell pepper, chili powder, coriander, cumin, cayenne pepper, diced tomatoes, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes.
You can pressure cook chili in your pressure cooker or Instant Pot. If you want to make your chili with dried beans, the Instant Pot is ideal because it cooks kidney beans much more quickly.
We love a classic three bean salad, but this version caught our eye because it actually has four types of beans: green beans, wax beans (white bean), dried kidney beans, and garbanzo beans.
Other ingredients are apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, yellow onion, granulated sugar, canola oil (or olive oil), and sea salt.
For this recipe for cowboy beans, you need a whopping six types of beans: kidney beans, pork and beans, navy beans, black beans, pinto beans, and white cannellini beans.
If you’re eating a vegan diet or vegetarian diet, you can still enjoy spaghetti and meatballs. How so? Well, these meatballs are made with kidney beans.
To make these vegan kidney bean meatballs, you need garlic, olive oil, onion, basil, oregano, rolled oats, sunflower seeds, soy sauce, sea salt, and black pepper.
This version of chicken soup includes tons of delicious fresh veggies, including carrots, celery, corn, and onions. For the beans, you need both kidney beans and black beans.
Spices are chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
You can eat collard greens by themselves, but they’re also delicious in a soup like this soup with a Caribbean flavor.
For this soup, you need a diced sweet potato, cooked beans (canned beans is fine), bell pepper, hot chiles, vegetable broth, allspice, thyme, coconut milk, and spinach.
If you love Italian soup recipes, you must try pasta e Fagioli, which is made with both kidney beans and cannellini beans (which are sometimes known as white kidney beans).
This soup is loaded with veggies, including celery, onion, and carrots.
Other ingredients are canned tomatoes, vegetable stock, extra virgin olive oil, and small shell pasta.
Who knew putting kidney beans on pizza was a great idea?
You can use a store-bought or homemade pizza dough to make this healthy vegetarian pizza that has Mexican flavors.
Other ingredients are cumin, paprika, bell pepper, red onion, vegan sour cream, cilantro, and vegan cheese. A black bean pizza sounds like a great idea, too!
In Lebanon, this delicious authentic kidney bean stew is called Fasolia.
The key to the perfect Fasolia is the right ingredients, and they include garlic, Lebanese 7 spice, Roma tomatoes, red chilli, tomato paste, and brown onion.
We love any type of Mexican food, and this Mexican bean soup will hit the spot on a cold winter evening!
This yummy soup is full of delicious spices and veggies, including zucchini, frozen corn, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, and garlic.
Bean dip is great to have for serving as a nutritious appetizer during Sunday football games, but this tasty dip also makes for a healthy and easy lunch.
Use your kidney bean dip to dip potato chips, Fritos, pita bread, or raw veggies.
Chicken chilli is delicious, and usually, you see chicken chili made as a white chili. However, you can make the Ree Drummond version of chipotle chicken chilli with canned tomatoes, too.
This chili recipe calls for chipotle chilli in adobo sauce and it includes pinto beans, black beans, and kidney beans.
Do you want more kidney bean recipes? Check out this video for how to make Mediterranean kidney bean salad.
Our 35+ BEST Kidney Bean Recipes (+Summer Kidney Bean Salad)
These options are sure to be a hit. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
