Legume | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free High Fiber

Red Kidney Beans

Phaseolus vulgaris Allergen-Free
Red Kidney Beans

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Fabaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Mesoamerican
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Common bean plant

The Forktionary Angle

"The hearty backbone of chili, offering a rich texture and absorbing flavors like no other legume."

Definition

A large, kidney-shaped bean with a deep red skin and creamy white interior, popular in chili and stew dishes.

Sensory Profile

TasteEarthy, Mild, Starchy
TextureSoft, Floury, Creamy
AromaSubtle, Beany
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Canned Shelf Life (unopened)

2-3 years

Fiber per 1/2 cup (canned)

7g

Usage in Chili

Essential ingredient

Nutrition Facts

Per 1/2 cup cooked (90g)
Calories127 kcal
Total Fat0.5 g
Saturated Fat0.1 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein8.7 g
Total Carbohydrate22.8 g
Dietary Fiber6.4 g
Total Sugars0.3 g
Calcium38 mg
Iron2.9 mg
Potassium405 mg

Chef’s Secret

Always soak and thoroughly cook dried kidney beans to neutralize harmful lectins. Drain soaking water before cooking.

Substitutions

Best Match

Pinto Beans

1:1

Similar creamy texture and mild, earthy flavor; good for stews.

Black Beans

1:1

Different color but similar texture and holds up well in soups and chili.

Cannellini Beans

1:1

Larger, creamier white beans, suitable for stews and salads.

Great Northern Beans

1:1

A mild, white bean with a firm texture, works in many bean recipes.

Buying Guide

Buy dry beans for cost-effectiveness (requires soaking) or canned for convenience. Rinse canned beans well.

Flavor Pairings

Chili stews salads rice and beans casseroles.

Recipes Using Red Kidney Beans

Dietary Side Dishes Occasion Preparation

3 Kinds Of Beans Baked Bean Dish

This award-winning baked bean recipe is a family favorite! Three types of beans combine with smoky bacon, tangy ketchup, and sweet brown sugar for a flavor explosion. Melted Velveeta cheese adds a creamy, irresistible finish. Get ready for the most delicious baked beans you've ever tasted!

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Time To Make Pasta Rice And Grains Chili 4 Hours Or Less

5 Way Lasagna Cincinnati Lasagna

Experience the iconic flavors of Cincinnati chili in this unique lasagna twist! This recipe, adapted from a Newport News Daily Press article, layers hearty beef chili, creamy beans, and melted cheese between perfectly cooked noodles for a comforting and unforgettable meal. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Dietary Vegetables Occasion Salads

Another Bean Salad

Sweet and tangy bean salad recipe! This vibrant salad is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a light lunch. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it's a delicious combination of beans, veggies, and a zesty vinaigrette that will marinate to perfection overnight.

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Course Course Cuisine White Rice

Authentic Puerto Rican Rice And Beans

This recipe transports you straight to Aguada, Puerto Rico, with the vibrant flavors of traditional rice and beans. My family's recipe, simplified for ease without sacrificing that authentic taste! This quick and easy recipe serves 4 (or 2 hearty eaters!). Experience the deliciousness – ¡Muy rico, como en la isla!

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Inexpensive Dietary American Holiday Event

Awesome Red Beans And Rice

Authentic New Orleans Red Beans and Rice recipe! This foolproof recipe delivers the creamy, flavorful red beans you crave. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion, this recipe is a taste of Nawlins you won't forget. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Beans Casseroles Fruit North American

Baked Beans And Pineapple

This surprisingly delicious recipe for Baked Beans and Pineapple is an easy crowd-pleaser, perfect for your next potluck! A sweet and savory twist on a classic, this adapted recipe is guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to impress!

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Beans Dietary Southern United States Weeknight

Baked Beans Quintet

This hearty Baked Beans Quintet recipe, originally from Better Homes and Gardens and passed down through generations, delivers a rich and savory flavor profile. Sweet and smoky baked beans, perfectly complemented by crispy bacon, tender onions, and aromatic garlic. A comforting classic, perfect for a family gathering or potluck!

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Easy Pasta Ground Beef Main Dish

Baked Chili Mac

Craving a comforting and flavorful dinner? This Baked Buffalo Chili Mac recipe is a game-changer! Inspired by a childhood cafeteria favorite, this recipe elevates classic chili mac with a spicy buffalo twist. We're using ground buffalo meat for a unique flavor profile, combined with hearty elbow macaroni, vibrant chili spices, and a gooey cheddar cheese topping. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual get-together, this adaptable recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a cheesy, spicy, and satisfying culinary adventure!

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Beef Meat One Dish Meal Stove Top

Bean Beef Hotpot

Indulge in this hearty Bean Beef Hotpot! A simple yet flavorful recipe featuring a smoky red wine and salsa combination that renders the beef incredibly tender. This Masterfoods recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal. Enjoy the rich depth of flavor in every bite!

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Equipment Time To Make Easy Course

Bean And Cornbread Casserole Crock Pot

This hearty and flavorful Bean & Cornbread Casserole, inspired by our rivals, is slow-cooked to perfection in your crock-pot! Enjoy tender beans in a rich tomato sauce, topped with a fluffy, golden cornbread. A crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Dietary Vegetarian Main Dish Time To Make

Bean And Sweet Potato Nachos

Elevate your nacho game with this vibrant vegetarian twist! Inspired by Linda McCartney's recipes, these nachos boast a flavorful tomato-bean sauce and perfectly spiced sweet potatoes. Customize them to your liking – skip the sweet potatoes for a quicker weeknight meal, or add a kick with our spicy avocado guacamole (recipe included!). This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a casual gathering or a satisfying weeknight dinner.

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Time To Make Main Dish Healthy 2 Peppers

Bean And Veggie Burgers

These hearty Bean & Veggie Power Burgers are a family favorite! Packed with protein and vibrant veggies, they're a delicious and satisfying meatless meal. Quick and easy to make, these flavorful patties are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend barbecue. Get ready for a taste explosion!

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Main Ingredient Vegetables Low Saturated Fat Preparation

Bean Vegetable Medley

This comforting Bean & Vegetable Medley Casserole is a delicious and easy one-pot meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch. Bursting with flavor from a medley of beans, barley, and fresh vegetables, this recipe is both hearty and healthy. The simple instructions make it perfect for beginner cooks, while the customizable ingredient options cater to all tastes. Serve it alongside marinated vegetables and crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Preparation Course Meat Time To Make

Beef And Barley Chili

This hearty Beef and Barley Chili is a flavour explosion! Barley adds a nutty chewiness and satisfying fiber, stretching your beef further while absorbing all those delicious chili flavors. Alberta Health Services inspired, this recipe focuses on low-sodium ingredients for a healthier twist. Get ready for a comforting and flavorful meal the whole family will love! Perfect for a chilly evening or game day!

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Time To Make Brown Bag Dietary Time To Make

Bell Pepper Kidney Beans And Mushrooms

This vibrant and easy side dish is the perfect complement to grilled or pan-fried steak! A family favorite for 40 years, this recipe boasts a delicious blend of sweet bell peppers, hearty kidney beans, and earthy mushrooms. Enjoy it fresh off the stove or as a fantastic leftover – the flavors only get better! A quick and satisfying side that's sure to impress.

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4 Hours Or Less 4 Hours Or Less Time To Make Meat

Jamies Chilli Con Carne

This hearty and flavorful Jamie Oliver-inspired Chilli Con Carne is the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening. Packed with tender ground beef, vibrant spices, and sun-dried tomatoes for a unique twist, this recipe is easily customizable to your spice preference. Make it ahead for even deeper flavor – it tastes even better the next day! Serve over fluffy rice with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings!

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