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Kidney Beans: The Protein Providers

Beans are protein providers that are widely used across the globe. Kidney beans are one of the most famous varieties of beans and are used in many vegetarian and even non-vegetarian wishes. Kidney beans are healthy as well as delicious, all in one.  

History Of Kidney Beans

Kidney beans are said to have originated in Peru thousands of years ago. They were cultivated by Acadian cultivators in Louisiana, in Colonial America, in the late 1700s. Today, kidney beans are used as a popular ingredient in many dishes around the world.

Appearance Of Kidney Beans 

As the name suggests, kidney beans look a lot like the human kidney. They are usually red but can also come in different colors such as very light red or dark purple.

Flavor Of Kidney Beans 

If we talk about the flavor, then kidney beans are on the sweeter side and more flavorful compared to other types of beans. In terms of texture, they have a dense, meaty texture.  

Image Credit: Flickr user wuestenigel ( CC BY 2.0 )

Culinary Benefits

One of the most famous dishes worldwide is probably rice and beans. Around the world, we can find multiple varieties of rice and beans. 

In India, kidney beans are used to prepare one of the most famous dishes called rajma chawal. Rajma is red beans and chawal is rice. The rajma masala or the red bean curry that goes in the dish is a red bean stew that is on the spicier side. 

You can try out this delicious and scrumptious Indian dish by using kidney beans in our Chana masala recipe

In Louisiana and New Orleans, red kidney beans are used to prepare rice and beans that are usually served on Mondays. In the Eastern Mediterranean region of western Asia, called the Levant, a kidney bean stew known as fasoulia is famous in the region. 

Italian White Bean stew is a great recipe if you want to try kidney beans! Or you can also try out Frito Pie with Beef Chilli.

Kidney beans are also used to prepare flavorful soups called brenebon. The soups are creamy and very flavorful. This is usually served in the Netherlands and Indonesia.

You can make bean paste with these beans which can be used as a dip or as a filling for various dishes. Dried beans are usually boiled to make them soft and then smashed into a dry paste.  

Storage

Cooked kidney beans can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days and in a freezer for about 2 months, if they are properly stored.  

Dry kidney beans, if stored in dry and proper conditions, can last up to 2 years before they lose their nutritional value. 

Canned kidney beans, once opened, can last up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator and about 2 months in the freezer, if properly stored in a glass or plastic container. 

Feature Image: PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay 

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