16 Top Ingredients to Substitute for Kidney Beans - The Ashcroft Family Table (2024)

These are the top ingredients to substitute for kidney beans when you’re in a pinch, plus 3 delicious recipes with kidney beans to try!

If you don’t like kidney beans or grocery stores are out of stock, you can use these easy replacements for all your favorite dishes.

I also share several delicious recipes that call for kidney beans to try out your favorite substitutes.

No matter what your needs are, you’ll find an excellent substitute on this list!

Table Of Contents

  1. Kidney Beans 101
  2. The Top Ingredients to Substitute for Kidney Beans
  3. FAQs
  4. Recipes with Kidney Beans

Kidney Beans 101

16 Top Ingredients to Substitute for Kidney Beans - The Ashcroft Family Table (1)

Kidney beans are known for their long, curved oval shape that looks kind of like a kidney. And there are a few different varieties you can try.

There are regular kidney beans, dark red kidney beans, and white kidney beans.

They have a sweet and nutty flavor and are filled with soluble dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. And you can purchase them canned, dried, or fresh.

Kidney beans are popular in soups, baked beans, and chili recipes like chili con carne. And they’re also an excellent vegetarian meat replacement in tacos, salads, and burgers.

But, if you can’t get your hands on them or don’t like the taste, you can try one of the easy replacements below.

NOTE: 1 pound of dried beans = 2 to 2½ cups uncooked

The Top Ingredients to Substitute for Kidney Beans

1. Black Beans

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Black beans, also known as black turtle beans are available year-round. And they’re popular in Mexican and Latin cuisines.

They’re featured in recipes like coconut rice with black beans, cowboy caviar with avocado, white chicken chili, and zucchini black bean and rice skillet.

They have an earthy flavor and similar texture to kidney beans. And while they don’t look similar, they do work well as a substitute in tacos, bean dips, soups, chilis, and burgers.

Use black beans as a 1-to-1 substitute for kidney beans.

2. Pinto Beans

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If you like Mexican food, you’ve likely enjoyed pinto beans on a regular basis. These beans have a buttery, creamy texture and a light brown color. And they’re the preferred ingredient for making refried beans and taco soup.

Pinto beans also make a great alternative to kidney beans in chili and baked bean recipes.

You can use them as a 1-to-1 substitute.

3. Cannellini Beans

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White kidney beans, also known as Cannellini beans, are the perfect substitute for the darker red varieties.

Originally from Italy, these curved, oval white beans have the same size and shape as the red and dark red versions. And they’re packed with 11 grams of protein in 1/4 serving.

They’re a great substitute for red kidney beans in salads, soups, and pasta dishes.

Use cannellini beans as a 1-to-1 substitute.

4. Navy Beans

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Navy beans, also called, pea beans, were a long-time staple food in the US navy. These white beans are great for lowering cholesterol and they have a similar texture and flavor to kidney beans.

Navy beans make a great replacement for kidney beans in soups and stews.

And you can use them as a 1-to-1 substitute.

5. Great Northern Beans

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Here’s another white bean that’s similar to navy beans and cannellini beans. And you can use Great Northern beans as a substitute in the same ways.

Use Great Northern beans as a 1-to-1 substitute in soups, stews, and chilis.

6. Adzuki Beans

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Adzuki beans are popular in Asia and are known for their sweet flavor. And they have a similar soaking time to kidney beans if using fresh beans.

You can adzuki beans anywhere you would kidney beans, but they’re also great for sweets like brownies or mochi cakes.

Use adzuki beans as a 1-to-1 substitute.

7. Borlotti Beans

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These beautiful white and pink striped beans, also known as cranberry beans, have a slightly sweet flavor similar to kidney beans. And they’re a great replacement for bean salads and soups.

Use Borlotti beans as a 1-to-1 substitute.

8. Butter Beans

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Butter beans, also known as lima beans, have a mild flavor and buttery texture. And while they’re not as sweet as kidney beans, they’re a great substitute for soups, salads like a bean salad, and stews.

Use butter beans as a 1-to-1 substitute for dishes like these.

9. Anasazi Beans

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These dark red and white heirloom beans are popular in Latin and Mexican cuisine. Anasazi beans have an earthy, sweet, and nutty flavor, similar to kidney beans. And they have a meat-like texture.

They’re a great replacement to use anywhere you would kidney beans, 1-to-1.

10. Garbanzo Beans

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Garbanzo beans or chickpeas are a protein-rich vegan staple. And they have a mild flavor and a creamy, slightly gritty texture like cooked potatoes.

And while they don’t have a similar texture or appearance to kidney beans, you can use them for similar dishes.

Use chickpeas to substitute for kidney beans 1-to-1 in soups, stews, chilis, and even baked bean recipes like these calico baked beans.

11. Chili Beans

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Here’s a kidney bean substitute that may save you some extra steps. Chili beans are cooked and canned beans with chili seasoning and sauce. And most products already have kidney beans or pinto beans inside.

Chili beans are naturally a great replacement for chili dishes, because they have similar ingredients, though you might need to adjust your seasonings a bit to compensate.

12. Small Red Beans

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Small red beans are a popular ingredient in Creole and Cajun recipes like red beans and rice. They’re grown in South and Central America and you can use them anywhere you would kidney beans.

Their similar color and texture make them a great replacement for soups, salads, stews, chilis, and baked beans.

Use small red beans as a 1-to-1 replacement.

13. Pink Beans

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Pink beans, also called Santa Maria pinquitos, are rich and meaty. And they have a slightly powdery texture. They’re called pink beans due to their light color, comparable to pinto beans.

They’re a great kidney bean replacement in baked beans, chili, soups, and stews.

Use pink beans as a 1-to-1 substitute.

14. Mung Beans

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These light to medium green-colored beans are a staple in Asian cuisines. Mung beans are a great antioxidant add-in for curries, salads, soups, and stews.

They don’t have a similar shape, color, or taste to kidney beans. So, they’re a great replacement for those who don’t like kidney beans.

You can use mung beans as a 1-to-1 substitute in the dishes listed above.

15. Pigeon Peas

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Pigeon peas are another great ingredient for curries, soups, and stews. And they’re native to the tropical regions of Asia.

They have a similar bright green to beige color to mung beans. And they’re a great source of folate.

If you don’t like kidney beans, you can use pigeon peas as a 1-to-1 substitute.

16. Lentils

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Lentils are part of the legume family and come in a wide variety of colors. And while they’re not a great kidney bean replacement in terms of texture, size, or color, they are similarly nutrient-rich.

Lentils are a great source of potassium, and they may help relieve constipation and reduce blood sugar.

And they’re a popular ingredient in soups, curries, salads, and pasta dishes.

FAQs

Can I use lentils instead of kidney beans?

You can use lentils as a replacement for kidney beans in soups and curries. But, they’re not an ideal substitute to match the size, texture, color, or flavor.

They are, however, a nutrient-rich alternative for those who simply don’t like kidney beans or want to try something new.

Can I substitute chickpeas instead of kidney beans in chili?

Yes. Chickpeas are a great substitute for kidney beans in chili. Some chili recipes even feature chickpeas as one of the main ingredients.

And, while chickpeas don’t have a similar taste or appearance to kidney beans, their creamier texture holds up well in hearty soups and stews.

What is a good substitute for kidney beans in minestrone soup?

There are several great kidney bean substitutes for minestrone soup. These include cannellini beans (white kidney beans), small red beans, pink beans, adzuki beans, and Anasazi beans.

Recipes with Kidney Beans

Here are some easy and delicious recipes with kidney beans. Use these to try out your favorite ways to substitute for kidney beans above!

Cowboy Baked Beans with Ground Beef and Bacon

16 Top Ingredients to Substitute for Kidney Beans - The Ashcroft Family Table (18)

Easy Crock Pot Minestrone Soup

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Spaghetti with Chili (Cincinnati Chili)

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16 Top Ingredients to Substitute for Kidney Beans - The Ashcroft Family Table (2024)

FAQs

What is a good substitute for kidney beans in chili? ›

The best substitutes for kidney beans in chilli con carne are pinto beans, black beans, chickpeas, and sweetcorn. You can use a mixture of these alternatives, or just choose one. If you like, you can even omit beans completely, without any substitutions!

Can I substitute chickpeas for kidney beans in chili? ›

Chickpeas are a great substitute for kidney beans in chili. They will add the same amount of fiber and protein, and they will help to thicken the chili. Plus, they have a similar flavor profile. So, if you're looking to switch things up, give chickpeas a try!

Can I substitute red beans for kidney beans? ›

Can You Swap Red Beans For Kidney Beans And Vice Versa? Although these two beans are a bit different in texture and flavor, you can substitute one for another in most recipes, especially ones that call for dried or canned beans.

Can I substitute pinto beans for kidney beans? ›

Both these bean types have different tastes and are featured accordingly in a variety of recipes. While kidney beans have a meaty, dense structure and slightly sweet flavour; Pinto beans have a creamy texture and more earthy flavour. However, despite their taste differences, you can substitute one for another.

Why do Texans not like beans in chili? ›

The reason why Texans hate beans in chili is because they believe that beans do not belong in the dish. Beans are not a traditional ingredient in chili and they believe that adding beans to the dish ruins the flavor. Texans are also known for being very particular about their chili.

What can I substitute for canned chili beans? ›

There are many substitutes for chili beans, depending on what you are looking for. If you want a bean that has a similar texture, you could try using black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans. If you are looking for a bean with a similar flavor, you could try using cannellini beans, great northern beans, or navy beans.

Which is healthier chickpeas or kidney beans? ›

Both kidney beans and chickpeas are nutritious but they contain different amounts of essential nutrients. Based on their nutrient profile, kidney beans are healthier than chickpeas as they are high in some of the essential nutrients, low in fat and calories.

Are chickpeas OK for kidneys? ›

Summary. Chickpeas are a nutritious addition to your renal diet for chronic kidney disease. They are low- to moderate in potassium, but when included in healthy portions, they are not an issue. Chickpeas are also a good source of fiber, protein, and vitamins, and minerals.

Should I wash canned chickpeas? ›

If you are using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them with water to cut the sodium (salt) content by almost a half. Rinse well in cold water to make them easier to digest and less gas-producing.

What is equivalent to kidney beans? ›

Substitute for Kidney Beans

Pink (pinquito) beans. OR - Pinto beans. OR - Cranberry (borlotti) beans. OR - Even Anasazi beans.

What does baking soda do to red beans? ›

The addition of baking soda to the cooking water does two things: It adds sodium ions that weaken the pectin as explained above, and more importantly, an alkaline environment causes the pectin molecules to break down into smaller molecules that greatly weakens the pectin causing the beans to soften much more rapidly.

What bean is red bean is it the same as kidney bean? ›

Many people think kidney beans and red beans are the same, but they are actually two different kinds of beans! Kidney beans are much larger than red beans. Kidney beans are a darker crimson while red beans are more pink.

Why should you not boil kidney beans? ›

According to the Food and Drug Administration's Bad Bug Book, dried red kidney beans contain toxic levels of lectin—proteins that bind to carbohydrates—and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and gastrointestinal illness for several hours when not cooked properly.

Which bean is the healthiest? ›

Garbanzo Beans

Perhaps considered to be the healthiest variety of beans on the shelves of your local grocery store is the garbanzo bean. Particularly high in fiber, iron, and protein, garbanzo beans are a great bean of choice for reducing your risk of heart disease, as studies have found.

Do kidney beans clean your kidneys? ›

Kidney Beans

Kidney beans not only resemble the kidneys but also remove waste and toxins from the kidney and flush out kidney stones effectively. Kidney beans are rich in Vitamin B, fiber and several minerals which help to clean the kidney and boost the function of the urinary tract.

What kind of beans did cowboys eat? ›

Pinto beans were the choice of the cowboys, and they were even better if the cocinero had some chili peppers to add spice. Out on the trail, the chuck wagon cook soaked beans in a pot during the day. He'd set up camp and cook up a batch, but the beans would have to be eaten right away.

What did cowboys put in their beans? ›

Coffee is the secret ingredient in many a chili recipe. Legend has it that back in the day, cowboys added leftover coffee to their pot of beans because fresh water was not so easy to come by—a cowboy version of waste not, want not.

What is chili with beans actually called? ›

Chili con carne
A bowl of chili con carne served with tortilla chips
Alternative namesChili, Chilli
Main ingredientsChili peppers, meat, and often tomatoes and kidney beans
VariationsVegetarian chili, chili verde, white chili
Cookbook: Chili con carne Media: Chili con carne
2 more rows

What can I add to canned beans for flavor? ›

You can add crushed whole seeds (coriander, cumin, fennel, mustard, etc.), woodsy herbs (thyme, oregano, rosemary, sage), red pepper flakes, crushed garlic cloves, and of course salt and pepper.

What is the best tasting beans for chili? ›

Traditionally, pinto beans are the best for chili, but black beans and red kidney beans are also great. In fact, we recommend a blend of these three types of beans for the best results. Let's take a look at the best ways to prepare chili, some handy tips and tricks, and the best beans for making chili.

Can I use northern beans instead of kidney beans in chili? ›

Their flavor is somewhat milder than red kidney beans and they will hold their shape when cooked. If cannellini beans are difficult to source, great northern beans or navy beans are excellent options to use instead.

Which beans are good for diabetics? ›

There are a variety of nutritious and tasty beans available to incorporate into your diabetes diet, including:
  • Black beans.
  • Black-eyed peas.
  • Chickpeas.
  • Great Northern beans.
  • Kidney beans.
  • Lima beans.
  • Navy beans.
  • Pinto beans.
17 Mar 2022

Which bean is highest in protein? ›

Fava Beans:

With nearly 26.12 g/100 g, it's the legume with the highest protein content. Fava beans are a nutritional powerhouse, providing ample carbohydrates, protein, fiber and vitamins, even when dried!

Which beans are easiest to digest? ›

Try sticking with the easiest bean varieties to digest such as: black-eyed peas, adzuki, anasazi, lentils and mung beans (general rule of thumb is the sweeter the bean, the easier to digest though sweetness is a relative thing!). The most difficult beans to digest are lima beans, navy beans and soybeans.

Is honey good for your kidneys? ›

Honey and lemon have miraculous health benefits on the overall health of the individual. Lemons are rich in citric acid which helps to fight with kidney stones by increasing the level of urine citrate. Taking regular lemon juice with honey reduces pain of kidney stones and dissolves kidney stones quickly.

Do potatoes affect kidneys? ›

Objective(s): Despite the nutritional benefits of potato tuber, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) should limit the consumption because of its high potassium content.

Is peanut butter good for kidneys? ›

Is peanut butter bad for kidneys? A. According to a study, peanuts contain oxalates, a mineral that can induce the development of kidney stones. Therefore, even though peanuts are heart-healthy and rich in protein, people with kidney disease should not consume them.

What happens if you don't rinse canned beans? ›

The outlet concurs that the simple act of rinsing your canned beans before using them will cut down on that excess salt. The starch in the canned bean solution has its own implications in your cooking. It can alter the texture, composition, and liquid ratios of the recipe you are creating.

What happens if you don't drain kidney beans? ›

Too much liquid will thin your chili

According to Martha Stewart, the canning liquid surrounding the beans is loaded with both salt and starch, so including the liquid in your dish can throw off both its seasoning and its texture.

What happens if you don't Soak chickpeas before cooking? ›

No, you don't have to soak beans before you cook them. If you forget, you can simply start the cooking process, but expect them to take longer to cook than if you had soaked them first. It can take up to twice the time if you don't soak them first.

What is a good substitute for beans? ›

Can't eat beans or lentils? 8 ways to replace them (+ bean-free refried beans, bean-free hummus recipe)
  • #1 Tofu (and soybeans) ...
  • #2 Sourgum. ...
  • #3 Cauliflower Florets (or cauliflower rice) ...
  • #4 Tempeh. ...
  • #5 Nuts like cashews and walnuts (or sunflower seeds) ...
  • #6 Quinoa (and other grains) ...
  • #6 Peas (or edamame) ...
  • #7 Mushrooms or Eggplant.

Which is healthier black beans or kidney beans? ›

Black beans do have a lot of vitamin A and B9, and more potassium and magnesium compared with kidney beans. In terms of nutritional quality, black beans are a better choice than kidney beans.

Which kidney beans are best for weight loss? ›

02/4Beans and weight loss

Black beans, kidney beans, navy beans are the ones considered best for weight loss plan. The fiber content keeps you fuller for a longer period of time and protein boosts satiety and calorie expenditure.

What takes gas out of red beans? ›

While not every recipe calls for soaking beans before cooking them, if beans give you gas, soaking can help. Soaking overnight and then discarding the soaking water leaches out sugars in beans that are responsible for gas production.

What can you put in your beans to reduce gas? ›

To cut down on the gassy properties, you can add a little baking soda to your recipe. The baking soda helps break down some of the beans' natural gas-making sugars.

What helps gas after eating beans? ›

There are many strategies out there to reduce the gassiness of beans, but here are some of our favorites:
  1. 1) Start by eating beans in small amounts. ...
  2. 2) Drink more water. ...
  3. 3) Soak dried beans before cooking. ...
  4. 4) Use baking soda when cooking beans. ...
  5. 5) Rinse canned beans. ...
  6. 6) Cook beans with carminatives. ...
  7. 7) Try digestive aids.
3 Feb 2019

What is the closest bean to a kidney bean? ›

Pink Beans

They're called pink beans due to their light color, comparable to pinto beans. They're a great kidney bean replacement in baked beans, chili, soups, and stews. Use pink beans as a 1-to-1 substitute.

What is healthier red beans or kidney beans? ›

Kidney beans are one of the healthiest types of beans to use as a protein source, with slightly less fat and saturated fat than other varieties of bean but with comparable amounts of fiber and protein.

Why do you have to rinse red kidney beans? ›

Draining and rinsing removes, on average, 41% of the sodium.

Sodium Reduction in Canned Beans Varieties by Draining and Rinsing.

Should you rinse canned kidney beans? ›

Unless the recipe tells you to keep the canned beans in their liquid, you should drain your can and give the beans a good rinse before using. This will improve the flavor and texture of your finished dish.

How do you remove toxins from kidney beans? ›

The good news is that the toxin can be deactivated by simply boiling the raw beans for ten minutes. This temperature degrades the toxin without cooking the beans. The FDA also recommends soaking the beans for five hours to remove any residual toxins and then tossing the water out.

Are canned kidney beans healthy? ›

The bottom line

They are an excellent source of fiber, plant-based protein, and other essential nutrients, such as folate and potassium. Despite the potential for contamination, canned beans are generally safe to consume and prove to be a convenient and nutritious alternative to dried beans.

What kind of beans burn belly fat? ›

Cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans, can be a great addition to your diet because they are high in soluble fiber. “Among many other benefits, research shows that soluble fiber may help decrease fat around the waist,” says Burgess.

What are the three healthiest beans? ›

9 Healthy Beans and Legumes You Should Try
  • Chickpeas.
  • Lentils.
  • Peas.
  • Kidney beans.
  • Black beans.
  • Soybeans.
  • Pinto beans.
  • Navy beans.

What is the least inflammatory bean? ›

Beans such as chickpeas, black beans, red kidney beans, and lentils are high in fiber and phytonutrients, which reduce inflammation. They are an inexpensive and excellent source of protein, especially for vegetarians or vegans, and they're a low-glycemic carbohydrate. Aim to eat at least one cup of beans twice a week.

What drink cleans your kidneys? ›

What is the best drink to flush your kidneys? Water is the best thing to drink for healthy kidneys. It's usually recommended that adults drink eight glasses of water per day.

What vegetable cleans the kidney? ›

Consider adding healthy greens to your diet such as mustard greens, dandelion leaves, and turnip greens. Dandelion especially increases urine production, cleaning out the kidneys and reducing blood pressure.

What is the best thing to drink for your kidneys? ›

While plain water is the best drink for your kidneys, other fluids are perfectly acceptable, including coffee, green tea, low-potassium juices, and infused water. Avoid sweetened, carbonated beverages and coconut water.

Do you have to use kidney beans in chili? ›

Depending on your own taste and the type of chili you are preparing, you can use any beans you desire. However, when it comes to preparing a classic pot of chili like Randall's Quick Kidney Bean Chili or Dark Red Kidney Bean Chili, kidney beans are king.

What kind of beans go well in chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

What bean is closest to chili beans? ›

If you can't find chili beans, you can likely just substitute pinto beans.

Why do we put kidney beans in chili? ›

And, as it it turns out, they're also the type of beans most often used in a favorite chili recipe. Why? Red Kidney beans are hearty, meaty, retain their shape in chili, and take on the flavoring of all the spices and seasonings they're cooked with.

What happens if you don't boil kidney beans? ›

Eating raw or undercooked kidney beans can lead to food poisoning, including symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Only a few beans are needed to cause poisoning. Kidney beans, or red beans, contain a natural protein, Lectin, that is found in many plants, animals and humans.

Do you rinse off canned kidney beans? ›

Unless the recipe tells you to keep the canned beans in their liquid, you should drain your can and give the beans a good rinse before using. This will improve the flavor and texture of your finished dish.

What gives chili the most flavor? ›

Spices: While cumin, chile powder, and cayenne pepper tend to be common additions to many chili recipes, there's a broad world of flavor out there to experiment with. Try a little fenugreek, turmeric, garam masala, or sumac to layer in more complex flavors. Smoky paprika is my own personal favorite.

What gives chili the best flavor? ›

Cinnamon, strong coffee, and dark chocolate all boost them meaty flavor in a good chili. Pick any of the following: 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 whole cinnamon stick, a shot of espresso, a small cup of strong coffee, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, or a few squares of good-quality dark chocolate.

What's a good substitute for beans? ›

Can't eat beans or lentils? 8 ways to replace them (+ bean-free refried beans, bean-free hummus recipe)
  • #1 Tofu (and soybeans) ...
  • #2 Sourgum. ...
  • #3 Cauliflower Florets (or cauliflower rice) ...
  • #4 Tempeh. ...
  • #5 Nuts like cashews and walnuts (or sunflower seeds) ...
  • #6 Quinoa (and other grains) ...
  • #6 Peas (or edamame) ...
  • #7 Mushrooms or Eggplant.

Is chili without beans a Texas thing? ›

Because in Texas, you'll rarely (if ever) find a bowl of chili that contains beans. There's a saying in Texas: "If you know beans about chili, you know chili ain't got no beans." In Texas, "chili" is shorthand for chile con carne, which translates to "chile peppers with meat." No beans in sight.

Do Southerners put beans in chili? ›

No. An authentic Texas Chili, or chili con carne, will not have beans. Simple answer. When this recipe/dish originated, there were no beans, no onion, no tomato added.

Why do you put baking soda in beans? ›

The addition of baking soda to the cooking water does two things: It adds sodium ions that weaken the pectin as explained above, and more importantly, an alkaline environment causes the pectin molecules to break down into smaller molecules that greatly weakens the pectin causing the beans to soften much more rapidly.

Why do people put baking soda in their chili? ›

Let the beef mixture sit for 20 minutes. The baking soda raises the pH of the meat, helping to lock in moisture and accelerate browning.

Why do you put baking soda in chili? ›

You can tenderize ground beef for chili simply by using baking soda. Some of the beans' natural gas-producing sugars are broken down by baking soda. Baking soda (1 teaspoon per serving) can help make chili less acidic. It will eliminate the acid without changing the flavor of your chili.

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