For long, many people are asking: are red beans and kidney beans the same? The truth is if you don’t know, you may think there are the same. However, these legumes differ in some ways. To clarify this misconception, we will examine their features in this post.
When it comes to legumes, like these two, most people consider them the same. To some, it doesn’t matter, so long they are beans varieties. No doubt, they both belong to the legumes family, but the nutritional value are not the same. In addition, it takes a longer time to prepare one of them.
In this article, you will know more about these bean varieties, their definition, and the best ways to add them to your diet. Dive in as we define what a kidney and red beans mean.
Definition: Red beans and kidney beans
Both beans are common beans used in different recipes due to their taste and nutritional values. So, what are their features?
Red beans, also known as Vigna angularis, are small, reddish-brown beans; they are sweet and have a nutty-kind of taste. These are mostly used in Asian culinary. Red beans are added into pastes like red bean paste for dessert or into soups and stews.
Red beans contain a lot of protein, fiber, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for the body, so it is a good idea to include these beans in your diet. On the other hand, kidney beans are bigger, with an oval shape like the kidneys. They are darker in color and can be added to salads and soups, too.
Kidney beans can be added in different cuisines. Mexicans, Indians, Americans, add kidney beans to dishes such as chili, bean salad, or curries, however, some tribes in West Africa, (Nigeria), add white kidney beans in sauce like soup.
Much like red beans, kidney beans are rich in protein, fiber, and other nutrients that are good for the body. Interestingly, it can serve as breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Are Red Beans And Kidney Beans The Same?
Both these legumes look alike, but when it comes to the nutritional value, flavor, and how to cook, there are a few differences. Below are the differences.
Shape and Size
Red beans are small beans with an oval shape and smooth surface, while kidney beans are bigger and shaped like kidneys. Red beans do not lose their shape as quickly when cooked, which makes them suitable for dishes.
Color
Red beans, as the name may suggest, are red, while kidney beans are slightly darker than red beans. The color difference is due to the pigments in each bean, and this contributes to the taste and feel of each bean.
Nutritional Content
Both beans contain protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, among other nutrients. Although red beans are a little richer in fiber and iron than kidney beans, which is good for people who want to eat more nutrient-dense foods. In contrast, kidney beans have more potassium and folate, which are good for the heart and are a source of energy.
Taste and texture
Another difference between these two is the taste. Red beans are sweeter compared to kidney beans. In addition, the texture of the red beans is tender more than of the Kidney beans.
Cooking Time
The cooking time is also a factor. Depending on the cooking appliance you use, it can take between 45 minutes and 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare a red bean. While kidney beans take less time to cook.
Red beans are slightly different from kidney beans because of their thicker outer skin, and as a result, it takes red beans a longer time to cook. You can soak your red beans overnight. The essence is to soften it. Don’t worry; there is no loss of nutrients when you soak your beans overnight.
However, kidney beans have a lower cooking time and do not need soaking before they can be cooked, which is easier and faster to cook.
Myths about red beans and kidney beans
There are myths about these beans. Although they are not true, there is a need to set the records clear. Are red beans and kidney beans the same? The following are the common myths that made people believe they meant the same thing:
Myth #1: These two types of beans are the same thing
There is confusion, and many think that they are of the same variety of beans. To this set of people, they both mean the same thing, but the color differs.
This isn’t entirely true. One distinction is that red beans are smaller and are round-shaped, while kidney beans are larger and are shaped like a kidney. They are below the bean category, but they differ in some ways.
Secondly, red beans have a relatively sweeter taste than kidney beans, which in turn have a meat-like texture. In some recipes, rice milk and soy milk can be substituted with each other, but they vary in taste and texture.
Myth #2: Red beans and kidney beans are only good in chili
Even though red beans and kidney beans are usually added to chili recipes, they can be used in other dishes as well. These legumes can be incorporated into salads, casseroles, pasta, and other meals for added protein and fiber content.
It can also be mashed and patted; it can also be used instead of meat for vegetarians, such as tacos and burritos. Thus, the next time you are organizing your meal, you should ensure that red beans and kidney beans are on your list, and if they are, try to find a more interesting way of preparing them.
Read also: 10 Best Superfoods You Should Add To Your Diet Today
How to include red beans and kidney beans into your diet
You can include them in dishes such as stew or soup. However, there are various guidelines that you can follow on how to include both beans in your diet: Each of the two beans mentioned above has numerous health benefits, and including them in your diet will make a big difference to your health.
First, let us know the nutritional quality as foods to be included in diets. They are both rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals and can be consumed at any time of the day. Red beans are a good source of antioxidants, and eating them can help minimize the risk of chronic diseases.
On the other hand, kidney beans are also rich in iron, which is vital in stimulating blood flow and energy flow within the body.
In as much as the kidney and red beans are good for health, you can use them in your daily meals in different ways. Beans are suitable for different dishes ranging from soups, stews, salads, and even burritos, to name but a few. Here are a few recommendations to help you get started:
1. Bean Salad
To those who would like to eat any of them, one of the recipes to try out is preparing a bean salad. Just combine cooked beans with chopped vegetables and a light vinaigrette dressing for a healthy and satisfying meal. You may also put some avocado or feta cheese to enhance its taste.
2. Bean Burritos
Another option is to prepare bean burritos. Bean burritos are healthy for the human body. They are made up of refried beans, spices, salsa, and cheese.
To prepare your bean burritos, just take a whole-grain tortilla and fill it with cooked beans, rice, vegetables, and salsa for a delicious, protein-overloaded meal. In addition, you could also add a few spoons of Greek yogurt or guacamole on top of your burrito to make it creamier.
3. Bean Soup
Bean soup is also a delicious and filling meal you can eat at any time of the day. To prepare the beans, rinse and boil with vegetables, add some broth, and herbs to create a delicious and healthy soup.
You can also add some grains, such as quinoa or barley, to improve the texture and nutritional value of your dish. If you also wish, you can add salsa, green onions, and then put some lime juice on top.
Are red beans and kidney beans the same? No, they mean different things. Although both are similar in terms of shape and size, their flavor and composition are different. The red beans are smaller in size and have thinner skin, while the kidney beans are slightly bigger and have a firm texture.
If you are still confused, maybe you should cook both types of beans to see which one you prefer, and more importantly, to know if they taste the same. After this, the next time you are in the grocery store, you can make a better decision. This time, no more confusion!
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