Substitutes for Black Bean: 5 Best Alternatives +Tips!

Black beans are a common element in a variety of dishes. These beans are high in protein and carbs and low in fat. They’re nutrient-dense and delicious.

In addition to calcium and iron, black beans are a significant source of fiber. However, not everyone likes these beans. If you don’t care for black beans, you’ll be relieved to learn that you may readily substitute them.

Chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils, cauliflower, and nuts are the most acceptable black bean replacements.

What are the best black bean substitutes?

Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the best black bean substitutes!

No. 1 Chickpeas (a type of legume)

When seeking a black bean substitute, chickpeas should be one of your first choices. They’re easy to find in most stores and have a neutral flavor. They’re a fantastic addition to nearly any recipe that calls for black beans.

Chickpeas are also high in protein and fiber, so your dish will retain its nutritious worth. Cooking them won’t be an issue; soak them overnight and boil them as desired, depending on the cuisine you’re making.

No. 2 Kidney beans

It may seem self-evident that you can use any bean in place of black beans. Kidney beans, however, are the most okay pick among the several types of beans available. You might not identify the difference because they are also dark in color. They are prepared in the same way as conventional black beans and have a similar flavor. Many people will be unable to differentiate between the two.

No. 3 Lentils

Lentils come in various varieties, which perform well as a black bean alternative. Lentils are higher in protein and fiber than black beans, making them highly nutritious. They can be used as a substitute for black beans in any dish to boost the flavor.

On the other hand, lentils are a little more expensive than black beans. Replacing baked black beans with baked lentils will be a challenge as well. You may need to adjust your entire recipe to fit the lentils because they cook differently.

No. 4 Cauliflower

If you’re seeking a substitute for black beans, cauliflower can help save the day. To replace black beans with cauliflower, mash it until it resembles rice. You may be able to find cauliflower florets that have already been smashed. Still, it is relatively simple to do so yourself. If you’re going to use cauliflower instead of black beans, give your dish a fiery kick. It will make the food better, and your visitors will enjoy it!

If your bean meal calls for time in the oven, pay heed, just like lentils. In the oven, cauliflower cooks much faster than beans, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

No. 5 Nuts

It may come as a surprise that you can replace black beans with almonds, but it’s a brilliant trick. Because of the distinct flavor that nuts can offer to any dish, many cooks opt to make this transition. If you want to use nuts, you can be as creative as you want!

If you use cashews or walnuts, your dish will be fantastic. However, you will need to alter the quantities. For example, instead of 1/2 cup of black beans, you could only need 1/4 cup of nuts for the same dish. If you’re allergic to nuts, sunflower seeds are a good substitute. They will have a strong flavor, but they can also be used as a black bean substitute if you don’t mind that.

Few extra tips

In Mexican cooking, there are many substitutes for black beans.

• Mexican cuisine is trendy all around the world. Its peppery flavor might be challenging to resist. Black beans are a common element in Mexican cuisine.
• When you want to make Mexican food but don’t have any black beans on hand, the general guideline is to use any other bean. Fortunately, there is a wide range of options. Pinto beans, kidney beans, cranberry beans, flageolet beans, and other legumes are excellent choices.
• All of these beans cook in the same way that black beans do, depending on the recipe you’re making. Boiling the beans is also necessary for any recipe.
• Opt for chickpeas, lentils, or cauliflower instead if you don’t want to eat beans. Some folks may even prefer rice to beans. On the other hand, rice is not a good substitute for beans because it can modify the entire dish by adding a new flavor and appearance.

You can make enchiladas without the black beans.

• Enchiladas are a tasty dish that generally calls for beef. However, there are vegetarian enchiladas, and many people prefer to use black beans instead of beef in their enchiladas. If you don’t want to use black beans, You can effectively substitute chickpeas or other beans.
• You only need to follow a few basic steps to prepare this delectable dinner. Enchiladas can be customized to suit your personal preferences. You can swap out some vegetables and use a different sauce instead of the classic.
• First, cook onion, red peppers, broccoli, spinach (and any other vegetables you choose) in olive oil. Cook until they’ve softened and wilted.
• Remove the vegetables from the pan and place them in a bowl once they are done cooking. Serve with boiling chickpeas or other beans, parmesan, and enchilada sauce on top. To make burritos, combine all ingredients and fill tortillas with the filling.
• Place your tortillas in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes once they’re done. It’s critical to preheat the oven so that your tortillas bake at the proper temperature. You can serve them hot or cold. It’s that simple! Serve with some sauce over the top and enjoy!

In baking too, black beans have suitable replacements.

• If you don’t want to prepare Mexican food but want to make another dish that calls for baking black beans, you have a few possibilities. You may use kidney beans because they bake up looking very similar to black beans.
• However, make sure to soak and boil them before putting them in the oven. If you don’t do so, kidney beans may become more complicated and challenging to digest.
• Chickpeas are also a terrific option, and you should cook them in the same way as beans.
• In a baked dish, we don’t advocate substituting lentils for beans. Lentils aren’t the same as beans, and if you bake them in the same manner, they’ll turn mushy.
• If you overcook them, they will lose much taste. If you want to bake cauliflower instead of black beans or any other variety of beans, the same rules apply. Cauliflower cooks quickly, so it may not work in recipes that call for baking.

Conclusion

Black beans are a versatile ingredient used in practically any meal. You can either use one of the options we’ve provided in this tutorial or come up with your own. However, both texture and taste should be considered while selecting the ideal black bean alternative. You can wind up with a whole different dish if you don’t pay attention to these two components! You want your finished dish to have the same appearance and taste the same.