🌿 proteinsEasy to use
Kidney Beans
Central America and Mexico — kidney beans have been cultivated for over 7,000 years. They're named for their distinctive kidney shape.Available year-round dried and cannedRobust, earthy, slightly sweet
Did You Know?
Raw kidney beans are actually toxic — they contain phytohaemagglutinin, a lectin that causes severe food poisoning. Always boil for at least 10 minutes before consuming.
Overview
Central America and Mexico — kidney beans have been cultivated for over 7 · Available year-round dried and canned · proteins
Large, kidney-shaped beans with a deep red color, meaty texture, and robust earthy flavor. A classic in chili con carne, red beans and rice, and bean salads.
Central America and Mexico — kidney beans have been cultivated for over 7
Origin
Available year-round dried and canned
Season
Easy
Difficulty
proteins
Category
Flavor Profile
Robustearthyslightly sweetand meaty. Firmer than black beans with a bold flavor that stands up to spicystrongly seasoned dishes.
Storage Tips
Dried: up to 1–2 years in a cool, dry place. Canned: 2–5 years. Cooked: 5 days refrigerated, 3 months frozen.
Photo Gallery
How to Cook with Kidney Beans
Recipes, pairings, substitutes, and professional tips
Cooking Tips
MUST be boiled vigorously for 10+ minutes to destroy lectins (slow cooker is NOT sufficient). Add to chili, curries, and bean salads. Season at the end to keep skins tender.
Best Pairings
cuminchiligarliconiontomatoesrice
Substitutes
Black beans, pinto beans, cannellini beans
Nutrition & Health Benefits
The nutritional profile and health properties of Kidney Beans
Nutrition Highlights
fat
0.5
carbs
22.8
fiber
7.4
protein
8.7
calories
127
Quick Facts
Categoryproteins
OriginCentral America and Mexico — kidney beans have been cultivated for over 7,000 years. They're named for their distinctive kidney shape.
SeasonAvailable year-round dried and canned
DifficultyEasy
Health Benefits
High in protein, fiber, iron, folate, potassium, and antioxidant polyphenols. Excellent for blood sugar control and digestive health.
Kidney Beans Photos
6 photos showcasing Kidney Beans in its many forms
🌿
Kidney Beans
proteins
OriginCentral America and Mexico — kidney beans have been cultivated for over 7
SeasonAvailable year-round dried and canned
DifficultyEasy
Flavor Notes
Robustearthyslightly sweetand meaty. Firmer than black beans with a bold flavor that stands up to spicystrongly seasoned dishes.
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Pairs Well With
cuminchiligarliconiontomatoesrice
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