White beans are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes, but are especially popular in chili recipes. Here are some of the common names for the types of white beans used to make chili:
Navy Beans
Navy beans are small white beans that are a classic chili bean. They have a smooth, creamy texture and mild flavor that partners well with the spices in chili. Navy beans are one of the most popular types of beans used in homemade and canned chilis.
Great Northern Beans
Great northern beans are another popular choice for chili. They are a larger white bean that holds its shape well when cooked. Like navy beans, great northerns have a mild, creamy flavor that lets the chili flavors shine.
Cannellini Beans
Cannellini beans are a medium-sized white kidney bean with a slightly nuttier flavor and tender texture. Though not as common as navy or great northern beans, cannellini beans can also be used to make a tasty pot of chili.
Baby Lima Beans
Baby lima beans are smaller, pale white beans. They have a slightly starchy texture and earthy flavor. Baby limas can be substituted for other white beans in chili recipes.
Pinto Beans
While not a pure white bean, pinto beans are pale tan in color when dried. When cooked, pinto beans soften and turn light brown or pinkish. Their flavor is perfect for chili. In fact, pinto beans are traditionally used to make Texas-style chili.
White Kidney Beans
Also called cannellini beans, white kidney beans are large white beans with a smooth, buttery texture. They work well in hearty meat and bean chilis.
Conclusion
In summary, the most common types of white beans used to make chili include navy beans, great northern beans, cannellini beans, baby lima beans, and sometimes pinto beans. The mild flavor and creamy texture of white beans complements the spices, tomatoes, and meat in chili recipes. Choosing navy, great northern, or cannellini beans will result in a classic and tasty pot of chili.
Why Use White Beans for Chili?
There are several good reasons why white beans like navy, great northern, and cannellini are so popular in chili recipes:
Texture
White beans have a smooth, creamy texture that adds body to chili. They help thicken and bind the sauce while remaining tender and intact. This contrasts nicely with the chunks of meat and vegetables.
Flavor
Compared to other types of beans, white beans have a relatively mild, earthy flavor. This allows the robust chili spices and seasonings to be the star. The beans absorb all the delicious flavors.
Versatility
White beans adapt well to different styles of chili. They work equally well in traditional beef chili, spicy vegetarian chili, and lighter turkey or chicken chilis.
Nutrition
Beans provide a healthy dose of plant-based protein and fiber. Just a 1/2 cup serving of cooked beans contains about 7-9 grams of protein and 6-8 grams of fiber. Adding beans boosts the nutrition in any chili recipe.
Cost
Dried beans are an affordable pantry staple. Using beans stretches meat in chili, allowing you to use less while still providing plenty of texture and body.
Ease
Canned white beans make assembling chili super fast and convenient. Canned beans just need a quick rinse before being added right to the pot.
Conclusion
With their smooth, creamy texture, mild flavor, and stellar nutritional profile, it’s easy to see why white beans are a chili lover’s go-to. Navy, great northern, and cannellini beans tick all the boxes for making the perfect pot of chili.
What’s the Difference Between White and Brown Beans?
While they may look similar when dried, white and brown beans have some key differences:
Color
White beans are pale white or cream colored when cooked. Brown beans remain brownish when cooked – ranging from light tan to deep chocolate brown.
Flavors
White beans like navy and great northern have a delicate, mildly nutty flavor. Brown beans such as kidney, pinto and black beans have more robust, earthy flavors.
Cooking Times
White beans generally cook a bit faster than brown beans. Great northern beans take about 1 hour to become tender, while brown kidney beans take 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Common Uses
White beans are popular in baked beans, soups, Tuscan bean dishes and chili. Kidney, pinto and black beans are common in Mexican food, hearty chilis and grain bowls.
Nutrition
While the nutrition profiles are fairly similar, brown beans contain a bit more antioxidants. However, both provide fiber, plant-based protein, iron, magnesium and potassium.
| Bean Type | Protein | Fiber |
|---|---|---|
| Navy Beans (White) | 8g | 7g |
| Pinto Beans (Brown) | 7g | 8g |
Conclusion
While white and brown beans have some similarities, the main differences come down to their colors, flavors, and best uses. Whether using big pots of chili or bowls of minestrone as examples, both bean types can provide delicious, wholesome nutrition.
What are the Benefits of Adding Beans to Chili?
Adding beans to your chili offers some great benefits:
Nutrition
Beans pack a nutritional punch, providing a healthy dose of plant-based protein, fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium and folate. Just a 1/2 cup of beans contains 7-9 grams of fiber and protein.
Texture
The creamy, soft texture of beans contrasts nicely with chunks of meat and vegetables in the chili. Beans help thicken the chili and add more body.
Flavor
Beans soak up all the delicious flavors of the spices, tomatoes and seasonings in the chili. They add an earthy, savory depth to balance the spice.
Savings
Using beans allows you to use less meat while still providing plenty of texture. Beans are budget friendly, especially when using dried beans. Canned beans work great too for fast chili meals.
Versatility
Beans work with all types of chili – beef, turkey, chicken, pork or vegetarian. You can use different beans like navy, pinto, kidney or black beans.
Satiety
The protein and fiber in beans helps provide satiety. Beans help you feel fuller longer after eating a bowl of chili.
Conclusion
Adding beans to chili offers great nutritional value while also enhancing the flavor, texture, affordability and versatility. Beans make chili heartier, healthier, and more satisfying!
What Are Some Tips for Cooking Beans for Chili?
Here are some helpful tips for cooking beans to use in your homemade chili:
Soak Dried Beans
Soaking dried beans before cooking helps reduce cooking times and improves texture. Cover beans with water and soak 6-8 hours or overnight.
Discard Soaking Water
Drain and rinse beans after soaking. Discard the soaking water to remove indigestible sugars that cause gas.
Quick-Soak Method
If short on time, you can “quick soak” beans. Boil for 2 minutes then remove from heat and soak 1 hour.
Don’t Add Salt
Avoid adding salt when cooking beans, as it can prevent beans from softening and becoming tender.
Cook Until Soft
Beans should cook until very soft and creamy for the best chili texture. Cook times vary by bean type, from 1-2 hours.
Add Acid at End
If using acidic ingredients like tomatoes, add towards the end to help beans retain their shape during cooking.
Flavorful Liquid
Cook beans in broth or seasoned water rather than plain water for more flavor.
Check Often
Test beans frequently as they cook until desired doneness is reached.
Conclusion
Prepping beans properly using soaking, simmering, and strategic seasoning results in tender, creamy beans that are ready to become the perfect base for homemade chili.
What Are Some Tasty Chili Recipes Using White Beans?
Here are some delicious ways to use white beans in unique chili recipes:
White Chicken Chili
This creamy white chicken chili is made with tender shredded chicken, great northern beans, jalapenos, and spices. Top with avocado and cilantro.
Spicy Vegan White Bean Chili
Navy beans, peppers and spicy seasonings create a meatless chili that’s low in fat but high in flavor. Top with cashew sour cream.
Crockpot Turkey White Bean Chili
This is an easy crockpot turkey chili with cannellini beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, corn and zesty spices. Garnish with cheese and green onions.
Cincinnati Chili
This unique regional chili is made with a cinnamon-flavored meat sauce ladled over spaghetti, then topped with beans and cheese.
White Bean Chicken Chili Soup
Shredded chicken and beans in a zesty, tomato broth topped with crispy tortilla strips, avocado and cilantro.
Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and White Bean Chili
Spicy sausage, white beans, and veggies in a tomato broth seasoned with Italian herbs and parmesan cheese on top.
Conclusion
White beans can be used to create amazing chilis ranging from creamy chicken chilis to spicy veggie variations. With so many options, you’ll want to make white bean chili every week!
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