Dried Bean Recipes - Cooking Light

Photo: Anna Williams

Smoky Baked Beans with Chorizo

Add extra flavor to baked Great Northern beans with dry-cured Spanish chorizo, a type of smoked sausage with a deep red color. Be sure to use firm, dry-cured Spanish chorizo and not soft, raw Mexican chorizo for this recipe.

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Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Cuban Black Bean Soup

Inspired by his Cuban mother's black bean soup, Chef Douglas Rodriguez of DeLaCosta restaurant in Chicago developed the robust flavor in this recipe for people who didn't have money to spend on meat for stock. Here we use both fresh and dried oregano because each imparts a different flavor to the final dish.

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Photo: Lee Harrelson

Ham and Bean Soup

This ham and bean soup recipe gets great flavor from a smoked ham hock, fresh vegetables, and fresh herbs. Starting with a package of dried bean soup mix instead of using canned beans helps keep the sodium in check.

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Collard Greens with Lima Beans and Smoked Turkey

This one-pot meal can be made up to three days ahead and refrigerated.

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Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Seattle Black Beans

Using broth to cook the beans instead of water makes them that much more savory. Seasoned with cumin and paired with chopped veggies make this an easy, healthy side dish.

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Photo: Jim Bathie

Tiny French Beans with Smoked Sausage

Find flageolets, tiny French kidney beans, can be found in specialty food stores or online at www.indianharvest.com. For a nice presentation, garnish with thyme sprigs.

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Photo: Randy Mayor

White Beans with Roasted Red Pepper and Pesto

Add a green salad and crusty bread to this simple rustic dish for a satisfying supper. Simmer the beans on the stovetop if they're still not tender after cooking under pressure for 12 minutes.

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Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Mexican Ham and Bean Soup

This filling soup makes good use of leftover ham. Pair with fresh bread for a complete meal.

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Photo: Randy Mayor

Hearty Navy Bean Soup

Simmer dried navy beans with ham hocks, carrot, and onion for a hearty and nutrient-packed main dish soup.

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Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Lamb Shanks on Cannellini Beans

Cooking the beans and lamb at the same time frees you to work on an appetizer or dessert.

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Photo: Randy Mayor

Anasazi and Black Bean Chili

Slightly sweet red and white Anasazis contrast with robust black beans in flavor and color. You can substitute pintos for the Anasazi beans, if you prefer.

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Photo: Francesco Tonelli

Farfalle with Fava Beans, Morel Mushrooms, and Mascarpone

The morel mushrooms give this healthy dish and earthy undertone. You can also use shiitake mushrooms and edamame, good year-round alternatives to morels and fava beans.

View Recipe: Farfalle with Fava Beans, Morel Mushrooms, and Mascarpone

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Pork Roast with White Beans and Cranberries

This rich dish balances sweet and tart flavors from the cranberries with savory notes from the pork and sage. Garnish each serving with a fresh sage sprig.

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Photo: Randy Mayor

Sweet and Spicy Baked Beans

Just one serving of this side goes a long way toward helping you reach your daily fiber goal. To quick-soak the beans, cover with water to 2 inches above beans; bring to a boil. Cook 2 minutes; remove from heat. Cover and let stand 1 hour. Then continue the recipe with preheating the oven.

View Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Baked Beans