7+ Black Bean Substitutes

Do you like using delicious black beans to make that distinctive Mexican or Texan dish? You would since this item has a delicious flavor that makes it a tasty complement to your favorite dish.

These bean varieties have been popular throughout Central and Southern America for about 7,000 years. The Zenith and Zorro cultivars of this plant were planted by Michigan State University. Regardless of variation, this bean is incredibly nutritious and includes a good protein content as well as other nutrients.

If you don’t have any black beans on hand, you should consider other options. Try out some of these alternatives to see what you can come up with.

Best Black Bean Substitute Options

1. Dried Black Beans

When most people think of black beans, they think of the canned kind, which is more widely available. Dried black beans, on the other hand, are excellent black bean alternatives. These plants, like their cousins, are native to America, although they are kept differently.

You’ll have to cook them for a long time since they’re dry, but the flavor is as expected. While the cooking procedure is cumbersome, it is the best option. Use it in the same proportions as conventional canned black beans.

2. Kidney Beans

When it comes to the finest black and Black Beans replacements, kidney beans come in second. These Peruvian indigenous, like other types, are thought to have existed for about 8,000 years. It was a popular source of protein for Native People at the time.

If you boil them properly, they have a milder flavor and a softer texture than black beans, yet they are extremely similar. Canned kidney beans have also been processed and kept such that they do not need to be cooked. You utilize these choices in the same way as you would when cooking with black or white beans.

3. Black-Eyed Peas

They are among the greatest black bean alternatives on our list, and are sometimes referred to as the humble bean. These cultivars initially appeared around Lake Chad, in northern Nigeria and Northern Cameroon.

When cooked correctly, they become soft and have a starchy, earthy, but flavorful flavor. Its unique taste makes them unsuitable for burgers, but they work well in stews and soups. If you’re seeking for the finest black bean replacements with health advantages, try black-eyed peas. Black-eyed peas are wonderful!

4. Pinto Beans

Apart from being a popular element in Mexican dishes, pinto beans are also an excellent black bean alternative. They are native to Mexico and require 3 to 5 months to mature after being planted. You may consume them while they are not completely ripened or wait for the perfect moment to pluck them.

Pinto beans have a silky texture similar to black beans but a nutty and deep earthy taste. Although they cannot be used in lieu of black beans in certain recipes, they are excellent in soups, chili, and stews. Despite their high protein and fiber content, they also have double the carbohydrates and fat level of black beans.

5. Navy Beans

The reason they are black bean alternatives is simple: you may not be able to tell the difference. They are a popular bean type that originated in Peru thousands of years ago and are also known as white peas. They are now ubiquitous in several regions of the world and are used to cook a variety of delectable dishes.

White peas have a taste and texture comparable to black and white beans. One advantage of this kind is that it is a superb absorber of the flavors in your food. Try them in bean salads, vegetable soups, Chile and taco soups, and see how they work with your recipe.

6. Cauliflower

They are neither beans or peas, but they are delicious when used as a replacement for black beans. Cauliflowers are native to Asia, having grown there before the 1500s. They are now a common ingredient in both European and American recipes.

Cauliflower is similar to black beans; just cut it into smaller pieces and season it more. The health advantages, on the other hand, are out of this world, making it one of the healthiest alternatives on our list. It also cooks faster and blends well in a variety of recipes that call for black beans.

7. Walnuts and Cashew Nuts

Although they may not be your first choice, they are acceptable black bean replacements. The English walnut originated in Persia. Although the black version is native to America, it is a bit tougher. Cashew, on the other hand, originated in Brazil but is now found across the tropical world, particularly in India and East Africa.

Since they vary in flavor and texture, they must be prepared differently from black beans. Instead of the typical 1 cup, use half to keep your dinner from becoming too heavy. With nuts, you may be creative and use them in a variety of dishes.

Conclusion

The nice part about black bean alternatives is that they enable you to experiment in the kitchen. You may choose which dish to add them to based on their tiny changes in flavor and texture. Having said that, base your options on the meal you’re making and the health advantages you stand to gain.