Beans are a versatile and nutritious staple food that can be found in many cuisines around the world. Whether served as a side dish, added to soups and stews, or made into dips and spreads, beans take on the flavors of whatever seasonings they are cooked with. But with so many herb and spice options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which seasonings pair best with different types of beans. This article will explore some of the most popular seasonings used with beans and provide recommendations for which varieties go well together.
What are some common herbs and spices used with beans?
Some of the most common seasonings used with beans include:
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Smoked paprika
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Bay leaves
- Rosemary
- Curry powder
These herbs and spices all add robust flavor that complements the earthy, nutty taste of beans. Most bean dishes call for a mix of spices rather than just one. By layering seasonings, you can create more complex and delicious bean dishes.
Which herbs and spices pair best with common bean varieties?
Here are some recommendations for seasoning different types of beans:
Black beans
Black beans have an earthy, mushroom-like flavor. Seasonings that pair well include:
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Garlic
- Onion
- Oregano
- Cilantro
- Smoked paprika
Try making black beans seasoned with a southwest-inspired mix of cumin, oregano, garlic, and chili powder. They work great in tacos, burritos, nachos, and quesadillas.
Pinto beans
Like black beans, pinto beans have an earthy flavor that stands up well to spicy seasonings.
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Garlic
- Onion
- Jalapeno
Make a zesty pinto bean dip or stew with chili powder, cumin, jalapeno, and garlic. Pinto beans are commonly used in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.
Kidney beans
Big and creamy kidney beans work well with herbs like:
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Bay leaves
- Parsley
- Sage
- Garam masala
Try using a mix of bay leaves, parsley, rosemary, and thyme to add flavor to kidney bean soups and chilis. The savory herbs complement the smooth texture of kidney beans.
Navy beans
Small and mild navy beans pair well with more delicate herbs like:
- Dill
- Basil
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Savory
Make a creamy navy bean soup seasoned with fresh dill, savory, and thyme. Navy beans are ideal for soaking up flavors from broths and sauces.
Lima beans
Buttery lima beans go well with herbs like:
- Dill
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Savory
For a delicious side dish, simmer lima beans with dill, parsley, and savory. Lima beans work well in succotash dishes too.
Chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
Nutty chickpeas pair nicely with bolder seasonings like:
- Curry powder
- Garam masala
- Cumin
- Turmeric
- Paprika
- Cinnamon
- Cayenne
Curries and masalas infuse chickpeas with lots of flavor. Or spice up your chickpeas with a blend of cumin, paprika, cayenne, and cinnamon. They make tasty additions to salads, rice bowls, and vegetarian dishes.
White beans
Smooth white beans work well with aromatic herbs like:
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Sage
- Marjoram
- Parsley
- Oregano
Try seasoning creamy white beans with a mix of rosemary, sage, and marjoram. Hearty white beans like cannellini and great northern beans stand up well to these flavors.
Red beans
Earthy red beans pair nicely with spices like:
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Cayenne
- Oregano
- Thyme
Make a pot of spicy red beans seasoned with chili powder, cumin, oregano, and thyme. Popular red bean varieties include red kidney beans and small red beans. Use them in chili, tacos, rice bowls, and soups.
Fava beans
Buttery, sweet fava beans taste delicious with:
- Dill
- Mint
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Garlic
- Lemon
Bring out the natural sweetness of fava beans by seasoning them with fresh herbs like dill, mint, and parsley along with garlic and lemon. Fava beans make bright, flavorful additions to salads and sides.
Lentils
Earthy lentils pair well with spices like:
- Curry powder
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Turmeric
- Mustard seed
- Cardamom
- Cinnamon
- Chili powder
From hearty curries to zesty tacos, lentils absorb and complement these spice mixes beautifully. Play around with different spice blends to liven up lentil soups, salads, and veggie burgers.
What are the best tips for seasoning beans?
Here are some top tips for bringing out the best flavor in your bean dishes:
- Season every step. Flavor both the liquid and the beans themselves. Season your soaking water, the cooking liquid, and finally the finished dish.
- Cook beans with aromatics. Layer in flavor by cooking beans with onions, garlic, bay leaves, parsley stems, and other fresh herbs.
- Brown spices first. Toasting whole cumin, coriander, and mustard seeds before adding beans deepens their flavors.
- Finish with fresh herbs and acid. Brighten up beans with a final drizzle of lemon juice, splash of vinegar, or sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs before serving.
- Season to taste. Taste as you season and adjust until the flavors really sing.
Proper seasoning is key to bringing out the full potential of beans. By seasoning each step and layering flavors, you can create bean dishes with delicious depth and dimension.
What are simple seasoning combinations for beans?
If you’re looking for easy ways to add flavor to beans, try these simple mixes:
Taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
This zesty mix pairs perfectly with pinto beans, black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas. Works great in tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, and more.
Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
This herb blend adds warmth to white beans, chickpeas, and lentils. Toss with pasta, use in soups, or add to vegetables.
Curry powder seasoning
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
Warm up lentils, chickpeas, and kidney beans with this aromatic curry mix. Great in curries, stews, rice dishes, and more.
Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
This bold blend adds kick to kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, and chickpeas. Use in chilis, rice, tacos, and more.
What are the best beans for chili?
The perfect beans for chili will stand up to the robust seasonings while adding creaminess and texture. Some top options include:
| Bean Variety | Features |
|---|---|
| Kidney Beans | Sturdy texture, mild flavor |
| Pinto Beans | Smooth, creamy, earthy flavor |
| Black Beans | Slight mushroom taste, holds up well |
| Navy Beans | Smooth, creamy texture |
| Cannellini Beans | Subtly sweet, ultra creamy |
Kidney beans are a classic chili bean for their firm texture. Pinto beans are very traditional in Texas-style chili. Black beans have an earthiness that complements chili seasonings. Navy and cannellini beans provide a smooth creaminess. You really can’t go wrong with any of these varietals.
Chili Bean Recommendations
- For a traditional chili, opt for kidney beans, pinto beans, or a mix.
- Go for black beans if you want an extra rich, smoky depth.
- Choose navy or cannellini beans for a silky smooth chili.
- Feel free to experiment with a bean blend in your chili.
The most important thing is choosing beans that will hold up to extended cooking times while lending creaminess. With the right beans and bold chili seasonings, you can make one delicious pot of chili.
What are the best beans for soup?
Hearty bean soups need a bean that will cook up creamy while retaining its shape. Some top choices include:
| Bean Variety | Features |
|---|---|
| Navy Beans | Creamy texture, holds shape well |
| Great Northern Beans | Fluffy, smooth, stays intact |
| Cannellini Beans | Ultra creamy, subtle earthy flavor |
| Pinto Beans | Velvety consistency, sturdy |
| Black Beans | Earthy flavor, creamy |
For bean soups, you want a variety that will cook down into a smooth, creamy consistency without breaking down too much. Navy, great northern, and cannellini beans are particularly well-suited for soups.
Bean Soup Tips
- Navy and great northern beans make classic white bean soups.
- Cannellini beans are ideal for minestrone or Tuscan bean soups.
- Pinto and black beans work well for southwestern or Cajun-flavored soups.
- Large beans like great northerns and cannellinis hold their shape the best.
- Soak beans before cooking to achieve ultra creamy soups.
With an array of beans to choose from, you can create all different flavors of hearty, satisfying bean soups.
Conclusion
When it comes to seasoning beans, there are countless delicious flavor possibilities. Beans provide a versatile canvas that takes on the tastes of whatever herbs, spices, aromatics, and other seasonings they are cooked with. Choosing varieties that complement your desired flavors and hold up well to cooking is key.
Many classic herb and spice blends pair wonderfully with beans, from earthy cumin and smoky chili powders to aromatic mixes like garam masala and Italian seasoning. Simple combinations like onion, garlic, oregano, and cilantro also infuse beans with flavor. Beans cooked in flavorful broths and simmered with herbs absorb even more seasoning.
Tailor your bean seasoning to the specific dish, whether it’s a zesty chili, creamy soup, or spicy rice bowl. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings until the flavors pop. With the right mix of seasonings and cooking techniques, you can take humble beans from bland to spectacular.