5 Beans To Pair With Any Dinner

When it comes to finding the perfect pairing for your next great entree, it can be hard to figure out what is the perfect fit. Beans are a great source of fiber and have subtle flavors that will help compliment any dish. Yet there is an art to pairing for your next spectacular entree. Soceity19 is here to help point you in the right direction. Here are 5 beans to pair with any diner.

Kidney beans are a great source of rich color and protein.

1. Kidney Beans

Kidney beans have a rich flavor compared to other beans and filling texture that is perfect for a small portioned side dish. This bean is also highly adaptable to various cooking styles including French, Spanish and Cajun. I personally love adding this rich red bean to stews that are French inspired. A  French fusion kale white bean stew is a great source of protein and perfect for warding off that cold wind. The beans add a deep richness to a stew that might seem a little simplistic. This stew in particular only has about 4 ingredients total, so richness and complexity is needed to really make this dish pop, and kidney beans are the perfect candidate. This bean is perfect for adding that sense of depth to your dinner. 

Pinto beans are a great side dish for any occasion.

2. Pinto Beans

This bean is one of the most highly versatile beans that there is on the menu. Pinto beans make up for most of the bean market in local grocery stores. They are also the bean that is used to make refried beans. In addition, this bean is great in three bean salads and is a great source of fiber. Pinto beans are remarkably cheap and can feed you for days. And while their flavor isn’t as rich as their kidney bean counterpart, they are filling. Pinto beans are especially good for a college budget when you’re craving a little protein in your life but don’t feel like the thick heaviness of a full meaty dish. In contrast, these beans pair with almost anything with a deep rich flavor that is naturally sweet. Pinto beans can be used in baked beans, fried beans or salads. Pinto beans are a great way to prepare a fast sideish when you’re in a time crunch. Weather you’re looking for a bean that have a little kick or something that is both sweet and rustic, pinto beans are a perfect match for any dinner occasion

Back beans are a rich and deep in flavor, perfect for any dish.

3. Black Beans

Black beans are one of the best beans to use for salads and vegetarian dishes. Their flavor is distinct, rich with a touch of earth tones. Remember how I mentioned vegetarian dishes? Because of this bean’s natural rich and earthy flavor, this bean is the most commonly used for burger supplements. Black beans burgers are both sweet and delicious and are packed full of protein thanks to black beans. They are easy to grill and can be prepared in a matter of minutes. I personally love black beans because of their rich color they add to a plating or dish. Also, when you’re looking for a recipe that is a little less fattening than the regular refried beans, I prefer making refried beans out of black beans. The texture is rich, dark and utterly delectable. I personally love these beans because they add a sense of depth and contrast to a plate that really makes what you put with them pop. What better background for your next dish than black? And while these beans have more of an earth tone than others, the flavors are still rich and relatively neutral making them perfect for pairing with zesty sauces or more subtle pairings. 

These tan lovelies are perfect to pair with anything to give it that sense of color pop.

4. Chickpeas

Like the cute name suggests, chickpeas are one of the smaller beans in their class but are packed full of flavor. I personally love these little beans for three bean salads. In addition, chickpeas are a great source of protein for both vegetarians and gluten intolerance people alike. As someone who has a gluten allergy, chickpeas have saved me on more than occasion. In fact, some protein bars, flours and even desserts are made with chickpeas to give them that texture and substance. They make up various treats on the market. Chickpeas are naturally sweet and make for a great alternative in even chips. Chickpeas are used in a variety of ways and their soft tan color makes them extremely pleasant to look at. I personally love plating chickpeas when I have created something that is more hearty, like a stew or a steakhouse style steak. Chickpeas give that sense of hearty farm to table look that we all know and love. And regardless of what  you pair your chickpeas with, their color allows for any entree to be the start of the show. When you’re looking for a trusty sidekick for any dish, chickpeas are a definite go to. 

These green beans are perfect for adding that sense of color to your next dish.

5. Lima Beans

Most of us are familiar with the children’s book that illustrates the children that hate to eat their lima beans. Yet these beans are far from gross. And while most beans are subtle in both flavor and color. But what happens when you want a little more of a color to pop out of your beans? Lima beans, with their bright green color makes them a very potent candidate for a side dish. I personally love these beans in stir fried noodles paired with the bright orange hues of carrots. Lima beans give that fresh sense of color pop that is not only pleasant to look at, but delicious. 

We all know that pairing side dishes is no picnic. And beans are often overlooked as an ingredient when you’re considering options for your perfect side dish and pairing. Beans are a great source of protein and color that perfect sense of substance to a side dish without feeling like you’re being overstuffed. Finding a pairing is a balancing act, as you don’t want your entree to take over the show but you want something with enough substance to ensure that your entree and it’s flavors are clearly supported. Beans are a solid and substantial ingredient perfect for any dinner pairing up your sleeve.