Are Red Beans and Red Kidney Beans the Same? Sunday, Aug 26 2007 

Recipe Info admin 8:32 pm


In short, no.

Red beans are not the same variety as red kidney beans. They are smaller and have a smoother taste and texture than their kidney bean cousins. They are the most popular in the Caribbean region, where south Louisiana got it’s passion for red beans and rice.

This also demonstrates that the differences between Creole and Cajun are no longer widely recognized. Red beans are the beans originally used in the Creole or New Orleans recipes that originated in the Caribbean. Red kidney beans are just another type of dry bean Cajuns ate as a staple food along with rice.

Today, however, red beans and red kidney beans are used interchangeably in recipes for red beans and rice. I use red beans when they’re available. Otherwise I use red kidney beans.

Red Beans           Red Kidney Beans

Red Beans            Red Kidney Beans

References:
http://www.beans4health.com/dictionary.html

 

Bean Soaking Methods Sunday, Aug 26 2007 

Recipe Info admin 8:08 pm

All dry beans should be hand-sorted, rinsed twice with water and soaked according to any one of the following methods. Dry beans are a raw agricultural product and may contain dirt, stones and other debris.

Gas-Free Method

Beans cause gas because they contain indigestible sugars that ferment in our intestines. Fermentation of sugars produces carbon dioxide gas, and thus intestinal gas.

In a stockpot or dutch oven, place 1 pound of dry beans (sorted and rinsed) in 10 or more cups of boiling water; boil for 2-3 minutes, cover and set aside overnight. The next day approximately 75 to 90 percent of the indigestible sugars will have dissolved into the soaking water. Drain, and then rinse the beans thoroughly before cooking them.

From: beans4health website.

Quick Soak Method

Place 1 pound of sorted and rinsed beans in 8-10 cups of water. Bring to a boil and cook for two minutes. Turn off heat and set aside for one hour. Drain and rinse with water. Beans are now ready to cook.

Overnight Soak Method

Place 1 pound of sorted and rinsed beans in 8-10 cups of cold water. Cover and let soak over night. Drain and rinse beans before cooking.