Is eating kidney beans good for you?

Yes. Kidney beans are a powerhouse with protein, fibre and essential nutrients like iron and folate. They support digestion, heart health and stable blood sugar levels.

Do canned kidney beans need to be cooked?

No, canned kidney beans are already cooked and safe to eat from the can. However, rinsing them first removes excess sodium and improves taste.

How do I cook canned beans?

To cook canned beans, simply drain and rinse them to remove excess sodium. Heat them in a pan with a little oil, garlic and spices for flavour.

Do kidney beans count as one of your five a day?

Yes. Around 80g of kidney beans count as one portion of your five a day. This is the same for all pulses.

Can you freeze cooked kidney beans?

Yes. Cooked kidney beans can be frozen for up to six months if stored properly in an airtight container.

How do I make kidney beans taste better?

Rinsing kidney beans prior to cooking them helps remove excess sodium and improves flavour absorption. Try adding additional herbs and spices or using broth during the cooking process for extra flavour.

Are kidney beans safe to eat raw?

No. Raw kidney beans contain natural toxins that can cause severe illness. Always wash and cook kidney beans prior to eating them.

What is the difference between red and white kidney beans?

In addition to their colour, red kidney beans have a strong, savoury taste and soft texture when cooked, making them a great choice in soups and stews. White kidney beans have a mildly sweet taste and firmer texture when cooked, making them great for salad dishes.

Kidney Bean Recipes

Rich in protein, fibre and essential vitamins, kidney beans are a nutritious powerhouse that is the perfect addition to your weekly meals.

Mexican Beans & Roasted Sweet Potato Bowl with Guacamole, Pickled Onion and Sour Cream

Lean Protein | Healthier Carbs | Packed with Veggies

Caribbean Beans & Garlic Rice

with Tomato-Corn Salsa & Corn Chips

Quick Caribbean Bean Bowl

with Coconut Rice & Tomato-Corn Salsa

Caribbean Beans & Coconut Rice

with Tomato-Corn Salsa

Caribbean-Spiced Kidney Bean Tacos

with Charred Pineapple & Smokey Slaw

Cheesy Caribbean Veggie & Kidney Bean Rice

with Greek Style Yoghurt

Caribbean-Spiced Bean Patties

with Sweet Potato Fries & Plant-Based Smokey Aioli

Plant-Based Bean Burrito Bowl

with Charred Corn Salsa, Cheese & Pickled Onion

Mediterranean Tomato & Bean Soup

with Silverbeet & Cheesy Garlic Ciabatta

American Beef & Bean Chilli

with Avocado, Cheddar & Rice

Firecracker Chicken Enchiladas

with Tomato & Coriander Salsa

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Are kidney beans healthy?

Have you wondered whether kidney beans are good for you? If so, the answer is yes! When enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, kidney beans can add many essential nutrients and minerals to your daily intake. According to Healthline, 100g of cooked kidney beans contain the following nutritional composition:

Calories: 127
Water: 67%
Protein: 8.7g
Carbs: 22.8g
Sugar: 0.3g
Fibre: 6.4g
Fat: 0.5g

Beyond their nutritional value, kidney beans are incredibly versatile. From hearty Mexican-style chillies and stews such as our quick Mexican tomato & bean soup to vibrant Mediterranean-inspired salads and wraps, kidney bean recipes can elevate your meals while supporting a healthy lifestyle. So, why not add more kidney beans to your diet and reap their amazing benefits?

How to cook kidney beans

Kidney beans are incredibly versatile when it comes to a variety of recipes. Their mild nuttiness and smooth texture make them a great addition to the likes of salads, soups, stews and wraps. For some great examples, give our cheesy kidney bean quesadillas and Caribbean kidney bean and coconut soup recipes a try.

To prepare raw kidney beans, soak them for at least eight hours. Alternatively, you can use a quick soak method by boiling for one minute and letting the beans sit for one hour.

After soaking them, drain, rinse and boil the beans in fresh water for 10 minutes to get rid of any toxins, then simmer for 45-60 minutes until creamy. Remember that kidney beans should never be consumed raw.

In all the kidney bean recipes from your food subscription box, as well as most quick recipes you'll find online, canned kidney beans are used. To cook these, simply rinse thoroughly to remove excess salt or sugar before using.

Types of kidney beans for your recipes

Kidney beans have various colours and sizes, each with its own unique texture and flavour, making them perfect for different types of dishes. Here are the various types of kidney beans:

Red kidney beans:

One of the most common types of kidney beans, red kidney beans are popular in many recipes due to their firm texture and slightly sweet taste. You can use them in the red kidney bean & roast veggie stew recipe and mushroom & red kidney bean quesadillas.

White kidney beans:

White kidney beans, also known as Cannellini beans, have a creamy and mild flavour, which works well with Mediterranean dishes. You can try them in our double lemon pepper chicken & chilli white bean salad or Tuscan white Bean veggie soup.

Black kidney beans:

Often mistaken for black beans, black kidney beans are slightly firmer and richer in taste. They're great for Mexican dishes like the Mexican bean & corn burrito bowl recipe and our cheesy Mexican bean & capsicum pitas.

Delicious kidney bean recipes to try

Looking for some great kidney bean recipes to try for your next meal? Here are a few simple but tasty meals you can try for your next dinner.

Kidney bean chilli:

The flavour and texture of red and black kidney beans have made them a favourite ingredient in chilli recipes for generations. Try our quick chilli con chicken for a delicious and easy-to-make example.

Kidney bean soup:

The perfect meal for a cold weather day, the flavour and texture of the soup is enhanced with the addition of kidney beans. Give our quick Mexican tomato & bean soup recipe a go and see for yourself.

Kidney bean salad:

Kidney beans add colour, texture and flavour to many traditional salad recipes. Try some with our double lemon pepper chicken & chilli white bean salad dish for a quick yet filling summer meal.

Kidney Bean Recipes

Chipotle Plant-Based Mince & Kidney Bean Burrito Bowl

Mediterranean Chicken & Butter Bean Soup

Plant-Based Chick’n Enchiladas

Caribbean Bean, Chicken & Coconut Soup

Cheesy Kidney Bean Quesadillas

Fiery Chicken Enchiladas

Cheesy Veggie & Bean Enchiladas

Quick Mexican Tomato & Bean Soup

Tuscan Veggie Bean Soup

Caribbean Bean & Capsicum Coconut Soup

Caribbean Kidney Bean & Coconut Soup

Anna's Mexican Chicken Chilli

Red Kidney Bean & Roast Veggie Stew

Mexican Bean Nachos

Tuscan Kidney Bean & Veggie Soup

Bean Burrito Bowl

Quick Chilli Con Chicken

Cheesy Mexican Bean & Capsicum Pitas

Chipotle Bean Tacos & Corn Salsa