Popular in Central American cuisine, kidney beans are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that make them perfect additions to your weight watcher meals. Not only that, but these legumes help reduce your blood sugar level so you can enjoy them without stressing about what you’re putting in your system, as reported by Healthline.
From tasty bean salads to indulgent burgers, quesadillas and bakes, kidney beans are incredibly versatile when it comes to meals that you can create with them, providing you with so many options for dishes that you will savor all winter long! Keep reading to discover how to make them.
1. 3 Bean Salad
Simple and fresh, this 3 bean salad is the best meal to have if you are after something light and doesn’t take forever to create. An ideal weight watcher recipe, this salad features the crispness of fresh green beans with the filling nature of dark and white kidney beans, coated in a delicious balsamic vinaigrette. If you’re feeling brave, add in a dash of brown sugar and garlic to make all the flavors pop! Store it in the fridge for 30 minutes and serve!
2. Coconut Rice and Peas
Bring together your soaked red kidney beans, oregano and thyme, unsweetened coconut milk, shallot, garlic, and a touch of butter for this delightful kidney bean recipe. All that’s missing is your side dish – basmati rice – which you should rinse until clear before you combine it with your coconut-infused beans. It’s only 260 calories and boasts so many exotic flavors. It’s almost certain you’ll want to try it more than once!
3. Chipotle Chicken Chili
If you’re seeking a comfort meal in a bowl this winter, this kidney bean recipe is the way to go. Tender chicken is enveloped in chipotle peppers, together with a mix of kidney and black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Then, add V8 juice, the secret ingredient that enhances the chili. And there you have it! Your cozy winter dinner is sorted
4. Kidney Bean Soup
This healthy vegan soup (perfect to indulge in during the winter chill) features earthy red Tex-Mex style kidney beans which are soaked in a delicious mix of tomatoes, cumin, paprika, and more. Top it with a zesty Guacamole Salsa and serve with crispy corn strips, to create a heartwarming meal that will fight the cold and keep your taste buds satisfied the whole time.
5. Kidney Bean Curry
This modern take on a classic Indian dish is a vegan meal that takes kidney beans and turns them into a creamy, aromatic curry carrying the flavors of tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and a number of spices. Infuse the gravy with a hint of coconut milk to create a protein-packed, wholesome dish that’s both filling and satisfying. Serve it over steamed basmati rice, garnish it with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon, and enjoy!
6. Lobio (Georgian Bean Stew)
This vegan Georgian stew features ingredients you can easily find in your pantry: a mix of kidney beans, walnuts, onions, garlic, ground coriander and bay leaf which can be served as a standalone dish or paired with toast, roasted potatoes, or sautéed vegetables. Why not try something new and indulge in this rich and inviting meal?
7. Kidney Bean Salad
This vegan and gluten-free salad is made of canned kidney beans, a colorful mix of fresh onions, tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers, and a zesty dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of sweetness. Not only is it delicious, but it’s filled with protein with makes it an ideal, quick meal for any winter day.
8. Mexican Bean Burgers
Whether you load them with guacamole, tomatoes, or serve alongside oven-baked sweet potato fries or corn tortilla chips, these burgers serve as your daily dose of protein. They are quick to cook, with a base of both black and kidney beans which promise your taste buds so many tasty flavors! Add to them Chipotle paste, Cajun seasoning, garlic, fresh coriander, lime, and spring onions to bring about a zesty and spicy kick that will keep you warm!
9. Smoky Carribean Style Kidney Beans
This Caribbean recipe asks you to combine various spices, including allspice, coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, and thyme, mixed with finely chopped onions, crushed garlic, and the gentle heat of scotch bonnet chili. Add this creamy mixture to paprika-infused pan-fried peppers and kidney beans, and serve with rice, baked potatoes, or a dollop of coconut yogurt. Yum!
10. Carrot, Cumin and Kidney Bean Burger
For this kidney bean burger, rinse your beans until they are softened. In a separate pan, place the finely chopped onions and grated carrots with cumin and coriander, before adding in your kidney beans and flour. This is your batter for the burgers, which make for the perfect winter comfort meal!
11. Potato and Kidney Bean Daube
A vegetarian and classic Mauritian recipe, this daube is a combination of a stew and a curry. You need rapeseed oil which coats the shallots, garlic, coriander, and thyme, before you add in potatoes kidney beans and tomatoes. Once cooked, serve it with boiled basmati rice and fresh carrot salad which will make all your winter blues melt away!
12. Red Kidney Beans with Pepper and Eggs
Full of warmth and flavor, this recipe consists of red kidney beans, crisp vegetables, and the richness of eggs. Add to the skillet onion, bell peppers, and carrots and tomato sauce, and cook until the eggs have golden yolks. Finally, add avocados, herbs, and any vegetables you may have in your fridge, to create a cozy, creative, and filling winter meal!
13. Kidney Bean Bake
Full of fiber, this easy casserole bake of red kidney beans and onions boasts a delicious and inviting chili-flavored sauce that will make you and your family share moments of warmth and delight.
14. Kidney Bean Quesadilla
Fancy something Mexican? Have a go at this healthy, cheesy, and protein-rich quesadilla which blends kidney beans with bell peppers and corn, all enveloped in the warm coating of flour tortillas. Add to the bean mix a layer of sliced cheddar melting and cover with the tortillas until they are crisped to a golden color. These are perfect for winter evenings when you have a craving for a takeout that you can prepare right in your kitchen.
15. Pasta E Fagioli
This Olive Garden-inspired Italian meal is made with kidney beans, veggies, ditalini pasta, and lean beef, creating a soup that is not only cozy but full of heartwarming flavors! Add to it garlic, onions, and simmer the broth until cooked. The result is a comfort meal that is rich enough to warm not just your body, but also your soul.
15 Filling Kidney Bean Recipes to Indulge In: 3 Bean Salad
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2" pieces *about 4.5 cups
- 540 ml dark kidney beans *about 19oz/2 cups
- 540 ml white kidney beans *about 19oz/2 cups
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Wash and cut the green beans.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, place the green beans in the pot and cover with a lid, cook for 5 minutes. Rinse under cold water and set aside
- Drain and rinse both of the kidney beans then add them to a large bowl with the green beans.
- In a small bowl mix the balsamic vinaigrette, sugar, garlic and salt & pepper then pour over the beans and stir gently. Let chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving so the flavor of the vinaigrette can soak into the beans.
- This recipe yields about 16- 1/2 cup servings or 8- 1 cup servings
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
