by Tracy Prewitt

Created on: March 17, 2013   Last Updated: March 18, 2013

When thinking about what’s for dinner, most people never look at a can of beans and say, “That looks appetizing.” The truth is that canned beans can be extremely appetizing. There are a variety of colors and textures available. Canned beans are easy to make, cheap and filling. They can be served as a side dish, main dish or a vegetarian meal. Another added benefit to canned beans is that they are loaded with protein.

Eating salads can be enjoyable and healthy- just add any variety of beans, such as kidney, garbanzo or pinto. The possibilities are endless. Add lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, peppers, olives and some tuna for the perfect tuna salad. Change it up and add olives, feta cheese and vinaigrette for a Mediterranean salad. Salads with canned bean are best served cold or at room temperature. For a better salad, rinse and dry the beans before adding them to your plate to avoid making your lettuce soggy.

Mexican food recipes usually incorporate many varieties of beans. White refried beans, traditional refried beans and pinto beans mashed with cheese all make excellent side dishes to your favorite Mexican meal.

Canned black beans are the best choice when making black bean soup, refried beans, rice and beans and many more delicious dishes. Canned chickpeas have a nutty flavor and are ideal for making soups, stews, salads and hummus.

Cannellini beans are delicate and tender with a buttery flesh. They are ideal for use in holiday salads, soups and stews. Enjoy them in white bean and chicken chili or white bean and chorizo casserole. They are convenient, tasty, nutritious and low in fat.

A can of red beans in a rich sauce can be poured over cooked rice for a meal that is ready in minutes. Also, you can enjoy red beans in a rich sauce with your favorite meat, poultry or seafood.

Open a can of black bean soup and pour it over hot cooked rice. Then garnish the dish with chopped onion, olive oil or sour cream for a meal that is ready when you are.

Colombian style canned red beans are plump red beans that can be simmered with a mix of squash, tomato and bacon.

No matter what cuisine you are craving, you cannot go wrong with a delicious can of beans and any recipe of your choosing. Just remember all it takes is a few minutes and a can of beans and you will have a tasty dish that is sure to please any pallet.

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