This collection contains an array of recipes to make with canned beans. Transform them into sides, main dishes, salads, and appetizers. From soups to refried beans you will find a fantastic bean recipe that’s sure to please.
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What's great about canned beans recipes
- Recipes that combine canned beans with other affordable ingredients can get you out of a jam when money is a little tight. You can create delicious dishes with budget-friendly, nourishing ingredients.
- There are many types of beans available in cans. Black beans, red beans, white beans, chickpeas, you get the picture. There are also multiple brands to choose from. Undoubtedly, we all settle on a favorite.
- Canned beans have a long shelf life so they’re perfect for stocking up when they go on sale. Check the expiration dates and make sure the cans are free from dents, rust, bumps, or other imperfections. Store canned goods in a cool, dry place and remember to rotate your supply.
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White bean recipes
White beans have a mild, nutty flavor with a smooth and creamy texture. There are different types of white beans including cannellini beans, navy beans, great northern beans, and lima beans. I’m partial to cannellini beans with navy beans coming in a very close second.
Pinto bean recipes
Pinto beans have a pinkish-beige color with a mild nutty flavor and creamy texture. So creamy in fact that they’re perfect for refried beans. They’re commonly used in Mexican dishes and work well with other ingredients.
Black bean recipes
Black beans have an earthy, mildly sweet flavor. They’re a staple in Caribbean and Latin cuisine, frequently served with white rice or as a standalone soup. Black beans are usually prepared with a sofrito which is a combination of herbs, spices, and tomato product giving them rich flavor.
Huevos rancheros
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A corn tostada with refried black beans, warm salsa and a fried egg. Then it’s garnished with queso fresco, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro.
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Red bean recipes
Red beans have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor and a creamy texture. They are popular in Latin and Creole cuisine and frequently found in rice dishes that are heavily seasoned. In Cuban cuisine they are prepared as a thick soup with vegetables and smoked meat, like in this from-scratch Cuban-style red beans.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas have a nutty and earthy flavor with a firm, slightly grainy texture. They work well in soups of course but are perfect for salads because they hold their shape and won’t become mushy. Chickpeas are common in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Latin cuisines.
Frequently asked questions
My favorite ways to add flavor is using vegetables, herbs, and spices depending on the recipe. Onions, garlic, carrots, Italian seasoning, black pepper, cumin, and many others add flavor and interest to a plain can of beans. Smoked meats and flavorful broths can also enhance their taste.
Yes, they should be rinsed unless they are prepared canned beans like baked beans or Cuban-style beans. Those are meant to be consumed as is. But if you are using the beans in a recipe they will usually require draining and rinsing.
Canned beans are just as wholesome as dry beans made from scratch. They contain the fiber and nutrients that their dry counterparts offer. However, they could contain more sodium. Draining and rinsing them helps eliminate some of it. You can also buy reduced-sodium beans if you are sensitive to salt.
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