Black beans, oh black beans! We all love them in our soups, stews, and salads, but what happens when they’re nowhere to be found?
Fear not, amigos! 😉
I did my research and found 15 legumes that are just as tasty and versatile as black beans. From red beans to Cannellini beans (and everything in between), these substitutes for black beans are bound to elevate your recipes!
Each legume on the list is compared to black beans in terms of their similarities and differences. I’m sure this will help you find the right black bean substitute for your dish.
So, grab your apron, and let’s get started! 😃
1. Red beans
Let’s start the comparison with a little myth-busting:
Many people think that red beans are a synonym for kidney beans and vice versa, but this is not true. These two beans are two different things. For example, red beans are smaller than kidney beans and they are pinkier in color.
Similarities
• Texture: Both red beans and black beans have a firm and smooth texture.
• Flavor: Red beans have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, similar to the earthy, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor of black beans.
• Nutritional value: Red beans and black beans have similar protein, fat, and calorie percentage per 100 g.
• Availability: Both red beans and black beans are widely available in grocery stores, online stores, and supermarkets.
• Approximate cooking time: Both red beans and black beans have an approximate cooking time of 45-60 minutes (if soaked).
Differences
• Color: Red beans are light red in color, while black beans are dark and black in color.
• Average price: Dried red beans are slightly more expensive than black beans, with an average price of $1.60/lb compared to $1.50/lb for dried black beans.
How To Use Red Beans
Red beans and rice is a symbolic dish of Louisiana Creole cuisine. Besides that, red beans are also widely used in soups, stews, and salads.
2. Adzuki beans
Adzuki beans have been cultivated in East Asia for over 2,000 years. Japan, China, South Korea, and Taiwan are the leading countries of Adzuki bean production.
• Texture: Both adzuki beans and black beans have a firm and smooth texture.
• Flavor: Adzuki beans have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, similar to the earthy, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor of black beans.
• Nutritional value: Adzuki beans and black beans have similar protein, fat, and calorie percentage per 100 g.
• Availability: Both adzuki beans and black beans are widely available in grocery stores, online stores, and supermarkets.
• Approximate cooking time: Both adzuki beans and black beans have an approximate cooking time of 45-60 minutes (if soaked).
Differences
• Color: The most common color of Adzuki beans is red, while black beans are dark and black in color.
• Average price: The average price of dried Adzuki beans is $1.40/lb compared to $1.50/lb for dried black beans.
How To Use Adzuki Beans
Adzuki beans are commonly used in sweet and savory dishes. They can be added to soups, stews, curries, and salads. They are also used to make sweet red bean paste, which is a popular filling for many Chinese treats.
3. Kidney beans
Kidney beans are believed to have originated in Peru, where they were first cultivated over 8,000 years ago. They were then introduced to Europe and later to the rest of the world by Spanish explorers in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Similarities
• Texture: Both kidney beans and black beans have a firm and smooth texture.
• Flavor: Kidney beans and black beans share an earthy, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor.
• Approximate cooking time: Both kidney beans and black beans cook in about 45-60 minutes (if soaked).
• Nutritional value: Kidney beans and black beans have similar protein, fat, and calorie percentage per 100 g.
• Availability: Both kidney beans and black beans are widely available in grocery stores, online stores, and supermarkets.
Differences
• Average price: Dried kidney beans have an average price of $0.40/lb compared to $1.50/lb for dried black beans.
• Color: The color of kidney beans varies from dark red to purple with a rich and vibrant appearance, while black beans are dark and black in color.
How To Use Kidney Beans
Kidney beans are versatile legumes that can be used in various dishes. They can be added to chili, soups, salads, rice and bean dishes, dips, spreads, burgers, and wraps.
Kidney beans are a great source of protein, and they are a staple ingredient in many vegetarian and vegan dishes.
4. Fava beans
According to a scientific report published in the journal Scientific Reports, the world’s oldest domesticated fava beans (over 10,000 years ago) are in sites in the central-southern Levant (the Galilee area of northern Israel today).
Similarities
• Texture: Both fava beans and black beans have a firm and smooth texture.
• Flavor: Fava beans have a slightly nutty and earthy flavor, similar to the flavor of black beans.
• Nutritional value: Fava beans and black beans have similar protein, fat, and calorie percentage per 100 g.
• Availability: Both fava beans and black beans are widely available in grocery stores, online stores, and supermarkets.
• Approximate cooking time: Both fava beans and black beans have an approximate cooking time of 45-60 minutes (if soaked).
Differences
• Average price: Dried fava beans are more expensive than dried black beans, with an average price of $7.00/lb compared to $1.50/lb for black beans.
• Color: Fava beans are light green in color, while black beans are dark and black in color.
How To Use Fava Beans
Fava beans are commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. They can be added to salads, soups, stews, and pasta dishes. Here are a few ideas on how to serve fava beans explained in the video below:
5. Pinto beans
Pinto beans are a versatile and nutritious legume that is widely consumed in Mexican cuisine. The name “pinto” means “painted” in Spanish, which refers to the bean’s mottled appearance of beige and brown.
Similarities
• Texture: Both pinto beans and black beans have a creamy and smooth texture.
• Approximate cooking time: Both pinto beans and black beans cook in about 45-60 minutes (if soaked).
• Nutritional value: Pinto beans and black beans have similar protein, fat, and calorie percentage per 100 g.
• Availability: Both pinto beans and black beans are widely available in grocery stores, online stores, and supermarkets.
• Flavor: Both pinto beans and black beans have a nutty, earthy, and slightly earthy flavor.
Differences
• Color: Pinto beans have a reddish brown color, while black beans are dark and black in color.
• Average price: The average price of dried pinto beans is $1.80/lb compared to $1.50/lb for dried black beans.
How To Use Pinto Beans
Pinto beans can be added to chili, soups, salads, rice and bean dishes, dips, spreads, and burritos.
Pinto beans are a good source of protein and fiber and are a staple ingredient in many Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes, including refried beans, burritos, and enchiladas. They can also be used in vegetarian and vegan recipes as a substitute for meat.
DID YOU KNOW? Navy beans were traditionally used by the US Navy as a staple food for sailors, hence the name “navy beans.”
Similarities
• Texture: Both navy beans and black beans have a firm and smooth texture.
• Flavor: Navy beans share the earthy and slightly sweet flavor that is also characteristic of black beans.
• Nutritional value: Navy beans and black beans have similar protein, fat, and calorie percentage per 100 g.
• Availability: Both navy beans and black beans are widely available in grocery stores, online stores, and supermarkets.
• Average price: The average price of both dried Navy beans and dried black beans is $1.50/lb.
Differences
• Color: Navy beans are white in color, while black beans are dark and black in color.
• Approximate cooking time: Navy beans take a bit longer to cook than black beans, with an approximate cooking time of 80 minutes (if soaked), compared to 45-60 minutes for black beans.
Navy beans are a staple ingredient in many American and European dishes, including baked beans, soups, stews, and casseroles. Mashed navy beans are used as a base for dips and spreads.
7. Lima beans
Lima beans are named after the capital of Peru, Lima, where they were first cultivated.
Lima beans are highly nutritious and contain various vitamins and minerals.
Similarities
• Texture: Both lima beans and black beans have a firm and smooth texture.
• Nutritional value: Lima beans and black beans have similar protein, fat, and calorie percentage per 100 g.
• Availability: Both lima beans and black beans are widely available in grocery stores, online stores, and supermarkets.
• Approximate cooking time: Both lima beans and black beans have an approximate cooking time of 45-60 minutes (if soaked).
Differences
• Color: Lima beans are light green in color, while black beans are dark and black in color.
• Flavor: Lima beans have a mild and slightly sweet flavor, while black beans have a distinct earthy and slightly sweet flavor.
• Average price: Dried lima beans are more expensive than dried black beans, with an average price of $2.20/lb compared to $1.50/lb for black beans.
How To Use Lima Beans
Lima beans are a staple ingredient in many Latin American and Caribbean dishes, including succotash, casseroles, and soups. They can also be pureed and used as a base for dips and spreads, or added to salads and side dishes.
8. Cranberry beans
Cranberry beans, also known as borlotti beans, are believed to have originated in South America. They get their name from their resemblance to cranberries when they are dried.
Similarities
• Texture: Both cranberry beans and black beans have a firm and smooth texture.
• Flavor: Cranberry beans have a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, similar to the earthy, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor of black beans.
• Nutritional value: Cranberry beans and black beans have similar protein, fat, and calorie percentage per 100 g.
• Availability: Both cranberry beans and black beans are widely available in grocery stores, online stores, and supermarkets.
Differences
• Approximate cooking time: Cranberry beans have an approximate cooking time of up to 2 hours (if soaked), compared to 45-60 minutes for black beans.
• Average price: Dried cranberry beans are a bit more expensive than dried black beans, with an average price of $1.80/lb compared to $1.50/lb for black beans.
• Color: Cranberry beans are white with red or pink pods,, while black beans are dark and black in color.
How To Use Cranberry Beans
Cranberry beans are particularly used in dishes such as soups, cold bean salads, and pasta dishes.
9. Lentils
Lentils were one of the first crops to be domesticated and were a staple food in ancient civilizations such as the Romans.
Similarities
• Texture: Both lentils and black beans have a firm and smooth texture.
• Nutritional value: Lentils and black beans have similar protein, fat, and calorie percentage per 100 g.
• Availability: Both lentils and black beans are widely available in grocery stores, online stores, and supermarkets.
• Average price: The average price of both lentils and dried black beans is around $1.50/lb.
Differences
• Color: Lentils are usually light brown or green in color, while black beans are dark and black in color.
• Approximate cooking time: Lentils take less time to cook than black beans, with an approximate cooking time of 15-20 minutes (if soaked), compared to 45-60 minutes for black beans.
• Flavor: Lentils have a mild and slightly nutty flavor, while black beans have a distinct earthy and slightly sweet flavor.
How To Use Lentils
Lentils are commonly used in soups, stews, curries, and salads. They can also be mashed and used as a base for dips and spreads. If you’re looking for a taste explosion in your mouth, then check the recipe in the video below:
10. Garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
Garbanzo beans are native to the Mediterranean region and have been cultivated for thousands of years. They are one of the oldest cultivated crops in the world.
Similarities
• Texture: Both garbanzo beans and black beans have a firm and smooth texture.
• Nutritional value: Garbanzo beans and black beans have similar protein, fat, and calorie percentage per 100 g.
• Availability: Both garbanzo beans and black beans are widely available in grocery stores, online stores, and supermarkets.
• Flavor: Both garbanzo beans and black beans share a slightly nutty and earthy flavor.
Differences
• Color: Garbanzo beans are mostly light beige in color, while black beans are dark and black in color.
• Approximate cooking time: Garbanzo beans take longer to cook than black beans, with an approximate cooking time of 60-120 minutes (if soaked), compared to 45-60 minutes for black beans.
• Average price: Dried garbanzo beans are a bit more expensive than dry black beans, with an average price of $1.80/lb compared to $1.50/lb for black beans.
How To Use Garbanzo Beans
Garbanzo beans are a staple ingredient in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes, including hummus, falafel, and salads. They can also be added to soups, stews, and curries, or roasted and seasoned as a crunchy snack.
11. Mung beans
Mung beans, also known as green gram, are thought to have originated from the Indian subcontinent.
Similarities
• Texture: Both mung beans and black beans have a firm and smooth texture.
• Nutritional value: Mung beans and black beans have similar protein, fat, and calorie percentage per 100 g.
• Availability: Both mung beans and black beans are widely available in grocery stores, online stores, and supermarkets.
• Average price: Both dry mung beans and dry black beans cost around $1.50/lb.
Differences
• Color: Mung beans are olive green in color, while black beans are dark and black in color.
• Approximate cooking time: Mung beans don’t require soaking in advance and they have an approximate cooking time of 30 minutes, compared to 45-60 minutes for black beans (if soaked).
• Flavor: Mung beans have a mild and slightly nutty flavor, while black beans have an earthy, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor.
How To Use Mung Beans
Mung beans are commonly used in Asian cuisine, particularly in Indian and Chinese dishes. They can be added to soups, stews, curries, and salads. They can also be sprouted and used in salads and sandwiches.
Popular soba noodles are made from mung beans and they are one of the most popular Chinese gluten-free foods.
12. Soybeans
Soybeans, also known as edamame, have been cultivated in China for over 5,000 years and are one of the most widely consumed legumes in the world.
Similarities
• Texture: Both soybeans and black beans have a firm and smooth texture.
• Nutritional value: Soybeans and black beans have similar protein, fat, and calorie percentage per 100 g.
• Availability: Both soybeans and black beans are widely available in grocery stores, online stores, and supermarkets.
Differences
• Color: Soybeans are light beige in color, while black beans are dark and black in color.
• Approximate cooking time: Soybeans have an approximate cooking time of 3 hours (if soaked), compared to 45-60 minutes for black beans.
• Flavor: Soybeans have a mild and nutty flavor, while black beans have an earthy, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor.
• Average price: Soybeans are more expensive than dry black beans, with an average price of $2.00/lb compared to $1.50/lb for black beans.
How To Use Soybeans
Soybeans are commonly used in soups, stews, and salads.
13. Black-eyed peas
Black-eyed peas were brought to the Americas by African slaves and became an important part of Southern cuisine during the 19th century.
Similarities
• Texture: Both black-eyed peas and black beans have a firm and smooth texture.
• Flavor: Both black-eyed peas and black beans share a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
• Nutritional value: Black-eyed peas and black beans have similar protein, fat, and calorie percentage per 100 g.
• Availability: Both black-eyed peas and black beans are widely available in grocery stores, online stores, and supermarkets.
Differences
• Approximate cooking time: Black-eyed peas have an approximate cooking time of 3-4 hours (if soaked), compared to 45-60 minutes for black beans.
• Average price: Dry black-eyed peas are slightly more expensive than dry black beans, with an average price of $1.60/lb compared to $1.50/lb for black beans.
• Color: Black-eyed peas are beige in color with a distinctive black spot, while black beans are dark and black in color.
How To Use Black-Eyed Peas
Black-eyed peas are commonly used in Southern cuisine, particularly in dishes such as Hoppin’ John and black-eyed pea salad.
14. Cannellini beans
Cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans originated in Argentina and they are popular in central and southern Italy.
Similarities
• Nutritional value: Cannellini beans and black beans have a similar protein and calorie percentage per 100 g, but cannellini beans have a lower fat percentage.
• Availability: Both cannellini beans and black beans are widely available in grocery stores, online stores, and supermarkets.
• Flavor: Both cannellini beans and black beans share a nutty, earthy flavor.
Differences
• Color: Cannellini beans are creamy white in color, while black beans are dark and black in color.
• Texture: Cannellini beans have a creamy and tender texture, whereas black beans have a firm and smooth texture.
• Approximate cooking time: Cannellini beans take longer to cook than black beans, with an approximate cooking time of 60-120 minutes (if soaked), compared to 45-60 minutes for black beans.
• Average price: The average price of dried cannellini beans is $2.00/lb compared to $1.50/lb for dried black beans.
How To Use Cannellini Beans
Cannellini beans can be added to soups, salads, pasta dishes, dips, and spreads. They are a staple ingredient in many Italian dishes, including minestrone soup, pasta e fagioli, and Tuscan white bean salad.
If you’re looking for “cannellini dish inspiration”, make sure to check the video below:
It’s Time To Get Leguminating!
Whether you’re looking for a similar texture, flavor, or nutritional profile to black beans, I’m sure there’s a legume on this list that can meet your needs. Plus, these legumes are widely available, won’t break the bank, and can be used in a ton of different dishes.
So what are you waiting for? Get cookin’ with these leguminous gems and add some excitement to your plate!
