Kidney Beans
Kidney Beans
Kidney Beans
Eat kidney beans and earn a
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Kidney Beans
My favorite food for finding giants!

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Fun Facts

Yes, kidney beans really are shaped like kidneys! They originated in Peru thousands of years ago and are used in sweet and savory dishes all over the world, like New Orleans-style Red Beans & Rice, the Dominican Republic's habichuelas con dulce (sweet cream of beans), or Rajma masala, a spicy Indian stew!

Star Power

These beans may look small, but they make up for their mini size with so much high-quality protein that they're a great meat replacement! They're full of fiber, too, which helps keep the colon healthy and stabilizes blood sugar levels. Did you know that kidney beans are not only good for you, they make the soil healthier, too?

Quick Preps

PREPARE:

  1. Canned: Drain into a colander and rinse.
  2. Dried: Place 1 cup dried beans in a bowl. Cover with water and soak overnight, or for at least 6 hours. Transfer to a pot, cover with fresh water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 1 hour.
  • Add kidney beans to chili, soups, and stews.
  • Toss into salads and grain bowls.
  • Add to black beans and northern beans for a three-bean salad. Drizzle salad with olive oil, sea salt, and fresh herbs.
  • Mix with olive oil, garlic, and cumin, then spread on sandwiches.
  • Use kidney beans instead of ground meat in tacos.
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Fun Tip

Celebrate bean-versity! Spin a globe. Stop it with your pointer finger. Make a kidney bean dish from whatever country you land on!

Star-Powered Recipe

5 star dinner Giant Burgers
Giant Burgers

Yield: 6 mini slider patties

Ingredients

  • 2 cans (15.5 ounces each) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and shredded (about ½ cup)
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • ¾ cup dried gluten-free breadcrumbs or quinoa
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 3 tbsp. refined coconut oil

Optional Toppings

  • Slider buns, romaine lettuce leaves, sliced avocado, sliced red onion, Greek yogurt, ketchup, mustard.

Method

  • Lightly mash beans in a large bowl, leaving some whole. Add carrot, chili powder, oregano, breadcrumbs, and eggs. Season generously with salt and pepper; stir until thoroughly combined.
  • Divide mixture into 6 portions and form into patties.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add patties and cook undisturbed for 10 to 12 minutes, until bottom forms a brown crust and most of oil is absorbed.
  • Flip patties and add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to pan, swirling to coat bottom. Cook undisturbed for 8 to 10 minutes, until browned on other side and heated through. Serve on buns with optional toppings.
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How to Store

Canned: Store unopened cans in a cool, dry area for up to 5 years. After opening a can, remove beans, place them in a covered glass or plastic container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Freeze in airtight container or freezer bag for 1 or 2 months. Thawed beans work best in sauces, soups and casseroles. Always cook thawed beans before eating.

Dried:Store raw beans in a cool, dry area in an airtight container, the original package, or a resealable plastic bag for up to a year.

How It Grows

Kidney beans grow on bushy plants, and when the beans are ready, the bush is cut at the root and hung upside down to dry.

Peak Seasons

Summer, fall

Varieties

Cannellini, Red Hawk, Montcalm, Cabernet, Red Rover, Pink Panther, Clouseau, Snowdon, Silver Cloud

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