Besides using them to make hummus, chickpeas can be added to salads, soups, and stews, or roasted until crisp for a light snack. The liquid they come in is useful, too.
Red beans are the traditional ingredient used in Louisiana-style red beans and rice, which is one of their best uses. They have thin skin and take on a creamy mouthfeel.
When shopping for red beans, you'll typically have the choice between regular or cream-style red beans. Cream style refers to the creamy texture of the beans.
Kidney beans have a mild flavor and thick skin. The skin allows the beans to hold their shape extremely well, making them a great choice for any dish that needs intact beans.
Cannellini beans keep their form well when cooked and have a nutty taste and a creamy texture. They’re a great choice for salads and herbaceous or citrusy dressings.
These beans are similar to cannellini but have a flatter shape with a more delicate texture. They’re great in dishes like stews for their ability to absorb flavors.