Dark Red Kidney Beans

So I recently began the WIC program since I'm due to have my little one in a few months. Through the program you get a check for "BEANS, PEAS, AND LENTILS" - now this is what is included...

Any brand dry: any variety of plain, mature dry beans, peas, or lentils.
Any brand canned: any variety of plain, mature beans, peas, or lentils.
NOT ALLOWED: Green beans, green peas, snap beans, orange beans, wax beans, baked beans, pork and beans, canned beans containing added sugars, fats, meat, or oils.

The woman told me basically - lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans, etc.

Now here is my issue - I got cans of dark red kidney beans (figuring I would make chili or something) - but it's getting too nice to make a hot chili.

Does anyone have any other recipes using dark red kidney beans or are they going to sit in my cupboard until winter time when I decide to make chili again?

Go to Sparkpeople.com or some other site that has recipes and search for red kidney beans.  They can be used in salads and lots of different recipes, but you are right....they are best for Chili!

Kat

Bean salad  with cheese

1.  Drain the canned beans, rinse them and drain them again.

2.  Toss with Italian fat free dressing and add chunks of cheese.  You can add diced bell pepper or sliced green onions if you want.

3.  Plate over shredded lettuce and enjoy.

Use them in a seven bean salad or visit this site for all your kidney neab needs.http://www.grouprecipes.com/s/kidney-beans/recipe/1/relevanc y

 love kidney beans and add them to many dishes. About anything with ground beef like tacos or sloppy joes. I also love them in salads. Another fav is to throw them in the blender with  little olive oil and seasonings of your choice. Blend away and serve as a dip or a replacement for refried beans. I will mix with cheese and hot sauce, microwave and voila, yummy!
eat with tortillachips or just as is.

Try www.cooks.com.  Type in kidney beans and see what it comes up with.  When you go back for more beans try garbanzo beans they are good mashed or blended with some sour cream to make a hummus type dip or you can add them to a salad.  Beans are a good source of protein but try for a variety.  Northern beans cooked with a little ham or bacon and served with a salad and cornbread (small piece) is a complete protein.   Rice and beans is also another good complete protein combination if you can have rice in your diet. 

I took my own advice and went to www.cooks.com and found this.  This sounds yummy and would be great for soft food stage also.

http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,192,148161-240206,00.html

1 can  Red Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
1 can Black Beans, drained and rinsed
1 small Red Onion, diced
1 can Black Olives, sliced
2 cloves Garlic, minced
2 avocados, diced
zest and juice of 2 limes
salt, pepper, and cumin powder

Mix all ingredients into large bowl.  The lime juice and the avocados form the dressing.  Will keep for 2-3 days.  Can add low-fat cheddar cheese.

I use this one when my hubby grills out.
 

They are pretty good with a little olive oil, garlic, sweet Italian Basil, salt and pepper. Its a nice side dish. I like mine 'room temp' but Im sure chilled isnt bad either.