Kidney Beans

Most people think that Indian food uses mainly chickpeas and a ton of lentil varieties, but this Northern Indian dal uses red kidney beans simmered with tomato, onion and spices. Its quite hot, due to the Kashmiri red chili powder and tastes even better the next day. This is my quick, weeknight version using canned red kidney beans with a couple of shortcuts in method but no shortcuts in flavour.

Inspired by an English breakfast, try making you own quick stovetop baked beans and eggs! With white kidney beans, bacon, tomato sauce, spinach and eggs this easy one-pan meal is filling enough for a quick weeknight dinner, or a weekend brunch.

This recipe is a delicious combination of creamy white beans sauteed spinach, garlic, onions and chili flakes piled onto your favourite toast and topped with provolone cheese. This recipe comes together in about 20 minutes and is hearty and comforting.

Experience the ultimate comfort of this Creamy Bean and Mushroom Risotto made effortlessly in a pressure cooker. The rich and velvety Arborio rice is infused with earthy mushrooms, hearty white kidney beans, and Parmesan cheese for a touch of creaminess (and a boost of fibre). This dish is a quick and delicious weeknight meal that will leave you wanting more.

Creamy white beans, garlicky shrimp, spicy Spanish chorizo and plenty of vegetables are married together in a flavourful tomato sauce. This is a simple and comforting meal that just needs some crusty bread on the side for sopping up all of that delicious sauce left in the bottom of the bowls. Of course, you could serve it with steamed rice or buttered noodles as well. The creaminess of the white beans is a lovely contrast to the tender vegetables and shrimp, as well as the chewiness of the sausage. If you don’t have chorizo feel free to substitute any smoked sausage, or even bacon. Hearty and nourishing, this stew ticks all of the comfort food boxes!

Couscous is an ingredient that cooks in just five minutes, making it a great choice for a cold, make ahead salad! This Mediterranean inspired salad features white kidney beans, tomatoes, fresh basil and an easy balsamic dressing. Whip this up in just 20 minutes for any last minute summer barbecues.

Pasta and beans with mussels, "Pasta fagioli e cozze" in Italian, is a traditional Neapolitan pasta dish that pairs beans and mussels in a "soupy" pasta dish. Absolutely comforting and fabulously delicious.

Roasted red pepper and white bean dip is an easy, flavourful and healthy appetizer. The dip is slightly sweet and smoky from the red peppers and pairs well with the crunchy pita chips. Serve it as an appetizer for guests or enjoy as a healthy snack anytime.

Along with Carbonara, Gricia and Amatriciana, Cacio e Pepe is one of the four classic pastas of Rome. This version is made with white kidney beans replacing the pasta.