What creative ways can you cook red kidney beans?

Question

We're trying to increase our intake of healthy foods including red kidney beans and bought a LOT (dried), but are getting bored with basic boiled beans, or added to mince and casseroles. What other ways can I cook them to make them interesting?

Answer 1

I am a former chef and I make salads like the other, red beans and rice like the other lady said with andouille sausage, Indian style curry's, the usual chili's even use them for refried beans as they are lower in fat, and in various types of soups

Answer 2

Dianne S has a good suggestion for the Red Beans and Rice Cajun style only I do not add oregano... but instead:

just the trinity of celery, bell pepper, onion.

Bay leaves

Splash of Worchestshire sauce

Garlic

salt and pepper to taste

thyme

basil

parsley

I use only the dried beans which can either be soaked over night or simmered for several hours (I prefer simmering)

Use a combination of pickled pork and smoked sausage

If you have leftovers you can use them to make a great chilli

Answer 3

I quite like adding them to stir fries because you can add anything you like to them. You just have to add the kidney beans and some other ingredients (such as peppers, mushrooms, chicken, sweetcorn) and you'll have a different dish! You can serve it with pasta or rice for a varied dish again.

Answer 4

My favorite way is a Kidney Bean Salad.  Mix cooked beans with chopped celery, chopped onion, sweet pickle relish,  hard boiled eggs and mayo (or a healthy mayo substitute) and chill.

Another is a classic New Orleans Red Beans & Rice:

2 tablespoons butter

2 cups diced green pepper

2 cups chopped onion

1 tablespoon chopped garlic

1 tablespoon salt

2 tablespoons oregano

2 tablespoons black pepper

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons dried basil

1 tablespoon dried thyme

2 bay leaves

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 to 2 pounds smoked sausage

6 (14-ounce) cans dark red kidney beans

Cooked white rice, for serving

In a large saucepan, melt butter. Add all ingredients except beans and rice and saute until vegetables are soft. Add beans and cook for 30 minutes over medium heat. Use hand blender or potato masher to mash beans until approximately 50 percent of the beans remain intact. Serve over cooked white rice.

Use the fresh cooked beans in place of canned ones.