5 from 2 votes
A dish with white beans can be both delicious and nutritious.
Combined with a soft and nutty flavor and smooth texture, their inclusion can level up any kind of dish.
If you love to eat them regularly, it is likely for the beans to run out quickly.
But there are several other beans that you can use too.
This short write-up will focus on the 5 best substitute for white beans.
So, you don’t have to struggle to find a variety when you want to eat your favorite beans.
Table of Contents
What are White Beans?
Simply put, white beans are legumes with starchy insides and white casings.
There are several types, including navy beans, great northern beans, lima beans and cannellini beans.
Of these, the cannellini variety is quite popular and widely used.
So, this article will focus on substitutes for this type.
You can find fresh, dried or canned products on the market.
They are a nonperishable food, and so you can buy them in bulk.
White beans also have plenty of nutrients, and adding them to your diet can be beneficial.
If you are gluten intolerant, the beans can be an excellent addition to your diet.
5 Best Substitutes for White Beans
Though there are a variety of beans, not all can be mentioned here due to limitations.
But we will discuss at least 5 that you can use as a substitute.
1 – Red Kidney Beans
If you don’t have your favorite type at home, red kidney beans can work just fine.
They look different since one is white, and the other is red.
But they taste similar and have a texture akin to each other.
You can use them to make different types of dishes, including soups, stews and baked dishes.
You can use both types interchangeably for any recipe if color is not an issue.
Dried beans can be quite hard, and it can take a very long time to cook.
So, what you can do is soak the beans for at least six hours.
It will take about one to two hours for the beans to become soft and fully cooked.
Red kidney beans are not only delicious but also healthy.
Experts maintain that adding it to a regular diet can improve overall health.
Exchange one for the other with the same amount.
Suitable ratio:
- 1 cup white beans = 1 cup red kidney beans.
2 – Great Northern Beans
Though they grow on different types of plants, many people confuse great northern beans with white beans.
The former is smaller in size, though, and their textures are different.
Great northern beans are popular for their delicate, nutty flavor.
They are ideal for soups, stews, casseroles and other baked dishes.
You can also make fried dishes with this variety of beans.
But make sure to soak it for at least six hours.
When cooking, keep a watch to see that the beans don’t get too soft.
They also take less time to cook. If you overcook it, it can get soft and mushy.
It can work great as a substitute for white beans if the recipe calls for a specific color.
Suitable ratio:
- 1 cup white beans = 1 cup great northern beans.
3 – Navy Beans
Navy beans are another variety that you can use in place of white beans.
Both are pretty popular as they have the same hue and come from the same family of plants.
It is also likely that if a recipe simply says white beans, it can mean navy beans.
However, they differ in shape, size and texture. They also become quite soft when cooked.
Therefore, they are suitable for making dips, soups, and stews that don’t need to simmer too long.
Add the beans only towards the end when making stews and soups that need a long simmering time.
Else, the beans might become too mushy.
Navy beans offer many health benefits, and research suggests they can help reduce the risk of metabolism syndrome and cholesterol.
Suitable ratio:
- 1 cup white beans = 1 cup navy beans.
4 – Garbanzo Beans
Garbanzo beans or chickpeas complete the list for substituting white beans.
They can work well if recipes ask for beans as a meaty component.
They have a nutty taste and are very mild flavored.
You can use chickpeas to make dips, sauces, stews, soups and spreads.
You can also make salads with a variety of herbs, spices and lemon juice.
It also tastes delicious when dry fried.
Being a staple ingredient in the Middle East, Mediterranean and Indian sub-continent, you can also find many delicious and unique recipes from these places.
Many cooking enthusiasts call garbanzo beans one of the most perfect foods because they are very dense and versatile.
They tend to remain in shape even if cooked for a long time.
Suitable ratio:
- 1 cup white beans = 1 cup garbanzo beans.
5 – Lima Beans
Also known as butter beans because of their buttery flavor, they can work fine in place of white beans.
The texture is obviously a bit different because white beans give a smooth feel, while lima beans are starchy and a bit grainy.
Though they are quite big in size, these beans can cook well if you soak them long enough.
Like most other beans, you can make a lot of dishes with these beans.
Dips, stews, soups, baked dishes, and fried dishes are some items to which you can add the beans.
You can also make salads with cheese, herbs and spices.
Simply soak, then cook and add the beans to the other items and mix them.
Suitable ratio:
- 1 cup white beans = 1 cup lima beans.
Conclusion
Beans offer health benefits besides being absolutely delicious and versatile.
All beans are tasty, so even if you don’t have white beans, one of the above will do.
Follow recipes or create new dishes using the beans.
It will be fun, and you can enjoy different dishes every day.
The 5 Best Substitutes for White Beans
Recipe by Kimberly BaxterCourse: Substitutes
Servings
4
Servings
Prep time
15
minutes
Cooking time
15
minutes
Total time
30
minutes
Ingredients
Red Kidney Beans
Great Northern Beans
Navy Beans
Garbanzo Beans
Lima Beans
Directions
- Choose your preferred substitute from the list of options.
- Organize all of your ingredients.
- Follow the substitution ratio to determine how much is required in your recipe.
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About The Author
Kimberly Baxter
Kimberly Baxter is a nutrition and dietetics expert, holding a Master’s Degree in the field. With over four years of study in the US, she graduated in 2012. Kimberly’s passion lies in creating and capturing wholesome foods through baking and food photography. Her work aims to inspire others to embrace healthier eating habits.
As a passionate foodie and skilled cook, Kimberly started EatDelights.com to combine her love for cooking with her desire to inspire others to enjoy flavorful and wholesome meals. Through her blog, she aims to provide readers with a wide range of mouthwatering recipes that are both easy to follow and satisfying to eat.
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5 from 2 votes
As a nutrition and dietetics expert with a Master's Degree in the field, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the area of wholesome foods and dietary choices. My extensive four years of study in the US, culminating in graduation in 2012, have equipped me with a deep understanding of various food components and their impact on health.
Now, delving into the article about substitutes for white beans, it's evident that the author, Kimberly Baxter, shares a similar passion for nutritious and delicious meals. White beans, known for their starchy insides and white casings, particularly the popular cannellini variety, are the focus here.
Let's break down the concepts covered in the article:
White Beans:
White beans are legumes with starchy insides and white casings. The article mentions several types, including navy beans, great northern beans, lima beans, and cannellini beans. Cannellini beans, in particular, are highlighted for their popularity and widespread use.
Nutritional Benefits:
White beans are described as nonperishable and nutrient-rich. They are recommended for those with gluten intolerance due to their health benefits.
Substitutes for White Beans:
-
Red Kidney Beans:
- Different in color but similar in taste and texture.
- Soak dried beans for at least six hours to soften.
- Red kidney beans are not only delicious but also healthy.
-
Great Northern Beans:
- Smaller than white beans with a delicate, nutty flavor.
- Suitable for soups, stews, casseroles, and baked dishes.
- Soak for at least six hours, and be cautious not to overcook.
-
Navy Beans:
- Similar in hue to white beans but differ in shape, size, and texture.
- Soft when cooked, suitable for dips, soups, and stews.
- Add towards the end for long-simmering dishes to prevent mushiness.
-
Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas):
- Nutty taste, mild flavor, and versatile.
- Used in dips, sauces, stews, soups, spreads, and salads.
- Considered a dense and versatile food source.
-
Lima Beans:
- Also known as butter beans with a buttery flavor.
- Texture is starchy and slightly grainy.
- Suitable for dips, stews, soups, baked dishes, fried dishes, and salads.
Conclusion:
The article concludes by emphasizing the health benefits of beans and encourages readers to experiment with different bean varieties in recipes. It suggests that, even if white beans are not available, any of the substitutes mentioned can be used interchangeably.
About the Author:
Kimberly Baxter, the author, is presented as a nutrition and dietetics expert with a Master's Degree. Graduating in 2012, she is described as a passionate foodie and skilled cook, having started EatDelights.com to share flavorful and wholesome recipes. Her work aims to inspire others to embrace healthier eating habits.
In summary, this article provides valuable insights into the world of white beans and their substitutes, backed by a sound understanding of nutrition and culinary expertise.
