5 BEST Navy Beans Substitutes in Recipes

Navy beans, otherwise known as “haricot beans,” are a type of white bean with a mild flavor and creamy texture.

Whether you are looking for something to add to your chili or soup recipe or just need a nutritious side dish, navy beans have a lot of nutritional value and can provide an excellent addition to virtually any meal.

But how do you cook them, and what are the best substitutes if Navy beans aren’t available?

Here’s an introduction to these delicious legumes and their possible replacements.

What is Navy Bean?

Navy beans are an amazing staple for any kitchen pantry.

Not only are these small, pea-shaped beans packed with nutrition and protein, but they have tonnes of delicious flavor.

Navy beans have a subtle nutty flavor with delicate earthy undertones that make them extremely versatile in recipes.

They also have a creamy, dense texture once cooked and can be used in a variety of dishes – from soups to casseroles to veggie burgers.

You can cook navy beans either by boiling or soaking them overnight, making them an easy and delicious addition to any nutritious meal.

5 BEST Navy Beans Substitutes in Recipes

If you’re looking for a navy bean substitute in your favorite recipes, you’re in luck.

Whether you’re avoiding legumes or just want to try something new, there are plenty of tasty replacements available.

Here are the five best substitutes for navy beans:

1 – Great Northern Beans

Great Northern Beans are one of the most versatile varieties of legumes, perfect for a wide range of dishes.

They have a mild aroma and subtle bean flavor that give depth to whatever they are cooked with.

The texture is very creamy, making them ideal for soups, chilis, and even salads.

Although larger than navy beans, Great Northerns can be used as an easy substitute in dishes calling for navy beans.

For example, in place of navy beans in Boston baked beans, just add some extra liquid to account for their bigger size.

Delicious and healthful, Great Northern Beans will definitely become one of your pantry staples.

2 – Cannellini Beans

Cannellini beans are a type of Italian bean hailing from Tuscan cuisine.

They have a mild, slightly nutty flavor and work well in salads and soups.

Their texture is firm yet creamy when cooked, making them great for stews or purees.

When substituted for navy beans, they bring subtle flavor changes to dishes like minestrone or chili and an interesting contrast to textures.

To cook cannellini beans, start by soaking them overnight and then cook them in boiling water until soft.

For an even quicker preparation time, you can also use canned beans that are already cooked.

3 – Lentils

Lentils are a highly versatile and nutrient-packed legume.

These small, round little nuggets of power make a great choice for meatless meals or as an accompaniment to fish, poultry, and pork.

They can have a variety of tastes ranging from earthy and nutty to sweet and peppery, depending on the type of lentils used.

As far as texture goes, they’re firm with a tender bite that becomes even softer after they are cooked.

Lentils are also an ideal substitute for navy beans in recipes such as soup, chili, or even baked casseroles.

All it takes is 1 cup of dried lentils per 1-1/2 cups of dried navy beans called for in any recipe.

4 – Kidney Beans

Kidney beans are a vibrant, hearty addition to many dishes.

Boasting a deep nutty flavor, kidney beans have an almost meaty consistency that makes them satisfying and delicious.

The tender outer skin hides the starchy center, giving it a creamy texture when cooked.

Kidney beans can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, salads, chili, tacos, and even desserts.

If you can’t find kidney beans at your local grocery store, navy beans can be used as a substitute.

Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure no crunchiness – no one likes undercooked kidney beans.

5 – Chickpeas

Chickpeas are versatile ingredient that adds a unique flavor to any dish.

When it comes to taste, chickpeas have a pleasantly nutty and creamy flavor which makes them a welcome addition to many dishes.

In terms of texture, they have an elegant firmness yet still provide some “give” when cooked – making them an ideal accompaniment that can be eaten alone or as part of larger meals.

You can use chickpeas as a main protein in meals, or you can even substitute navy beans with chickpeas for stews and other dishes.

Taking all this into consideration, it’s no wonder why chickpea is becoming a more popular ingredient across the culinary world these days.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navy beans are a versatile, nutrient-packed legume that can be used in a variety of dishes.

If you’re out of navy beans or simply looking to try something new, the five substitutes mentioned in this article – Great Northern Beans, Cannellini Beans, Lentils, Kidney Beans, and Chickpeas – make excellent alternatives.

Each of these substitutes brings subtle flavor changes and different textures to dishes, giving you more options when it comes to meal planning.

So, don’t be afraid to experiment – your taste buds with thank you.