15 Different Types of Beans and How to Cook Them

Beans are a versatile staple in kitchens worldwide. Their subtle flavor pairs well with a wide range of seasonings and spices, plus they offer a wealth of health benefits.

What Exactly Are Beans?

Beans fall under the legume category, alongside peas, peanuts, and lentils. They are the seeds of plants in the Fabaceae family and usually grow in pods containing multiple beans.

Packed with fiber and B vitamins, beans help lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar levels. They also provide a solid plant-based protein, making them an affordable meat alternative.

Incorporating beans into your diet is a smart choice. Beans are available in both canned and dried forms. Canned beans are a convenient option since they’re pre-cooked and only need reheating. However, some find that the canning process dulls their flavor, which is why others prefer to buy dried beans and soak them overnight. With so many varieties available, it can be hard to know where to start. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for a list of different beans and how to cook them.

Discover More: How to Prepare Beans

Bean Varieties

1. Black Beans

Black beans are a key ingredient in numerous Mexican and Brazilian dishes. They boast a smooth, velvety texture and a subtle flavor. With a lower glycemic index than many carb-rich foods, they help mitigate blood sugar spikes after meals. Use them in salads, soups, casseroles, or tacos for an extra protein boost. They also work as a nutritious alternative to meat or flour!

Top Black Bean Dishes:

• Homemade Black Bean Veggie Burgers
• Black Bean Breakfast Bowl
• Black Bean Brownies
• More Black Bean Recipes

2. Black-Eyed Peas

These Southern favorites feature a beige color with a distinct black spot, which gives them their name, "black-eyed peas." Their earthy flavor pairs perfectly with savory foods like ham and bacon. A Southern tradition includes eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day for good luck in the year ahead. Packed with folate, they are especially beneficial for pregnant women. Cook them in chicken broth (add a ham bone for extra flavor) for tender, juicy beans. Season to taste and include some greens for the ideal side dish!

Favorite Black-Eyed Pea Dishes:

• Spicy Bean Salsa
• Dave's Georgia Black Eyed Peas
• New Year Black Eyed Peas
• More Black-Eyed Peas Recipes

3. Cannellini Beans

Often referred to as white Italian kidney beans, these light-colored beans are among the most widely used varieties. They're a favorite in soups, salads, and Italian cuisine. Cannellini beans maintain their shape during cooking and can be prepared lightly or mashed into flavorful fritters.

Top Cannellini Bean Recipes:

• Vegetarian Kale Soup
• Pasta Fagioli
• Chef John's Quick Cassoulet
• More Cannellini Bean Recipes

4. Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)

Chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, come in two main types: the larger Kabuli variety, common in the Mediterranean, and the smaller desi variety, mostly grown in India. You may recognize them as the main ingredient in hummus.

These round beans have a firm texture, making them an excellent addition to salads. Their nutty taste also makes them a great snack—just toss dry chickpeas with olive oil, salt, and spices, then roast for a crunchy treat. Not only are they incredibly versatile, but they're also packed with fiber and protein.

Favorite Chickpea Dishes:

• Roasted Chickpeas
• Coconut Çurry Chili
• Mediterranean Zucchini and Chickpea Salad
• More Chickpea Recipes

5. Great Northern Beans

Great Northern beans are another variety of white beans often confused with cannellini or navy beans. These beans are lighter and have a nuttier flavor compared to their counterparts. Their delicate texture and ability to soak up flavors make them perfect for soups, stews, and purees. Plus, they're loaded with calcium!

Popular Kidney Bean Recipes:

• Italian Sausage Soup
• Creamy White Chili
• Vegan Black Bean Quesadillas
• More Great Northern Bean Recipes

6. Kidney Beans

Kidney beans are easily recognized by their bright red skin and creamy interior. With a mild flavor, they are a perfect addition to chili. Fun fact: kidney beans contain nearly as many cancer-fighting antioxidants as blueberries. They're also packed with protein, heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and iron. The cooking possibilities are endless—use them in rice dishes, tacos, curries, or mash them into a rich, creamy dip.

Popular Lima Bean Recipes:

• Debdoozie's Blue Ribbon Chili
• Slow Cooker Taco Soup
• Bean Relish
• More Kidney Bean Recipes

7. Lima Beans

Lima beans often get an unfair reputation, but they have much to offer. These beans can range from white to creamy or green. There are two main varieties: the larger butter beans (also known as Fordhook) and the sweeter baby limas. With a mild, buttery flavor and a soft texture, they can turn mushy if overcooked. They're perfect for soups or can be enjoyed as a standalone side dish. Packed with nutrients, they also contain more potassium than kidney beans.

Favorite Pinto Bean Recipes:

• Calico Beans
• Luscious Lima Bean Soup
• Easy Lima Beans
• More Lima Bean Recipes

8. Pinto Beans

Pinto beans are easily recognized by their orange-pink hue and rust-colored speckles. The name 'pinto' actually means 'painted' in Spanish. Packed with fiber and protein, their earthy taste and smooth texture make them ideal for dips, stews, or classic refried beans.

Favorite Fava Bean Recipes:

• Refried Beans Without the Refry
• Vegetarian Tortilla Stew
• Best-Ever Texas Caviar
• More Pinto Bean Recipes

9. Fava Beans

Fava beans, also known as broad beans, can be a bit tricky to prepare. You’ll need to remove them from their pods and blanch them to peel off their skins. But don't let that stop you from savoring them. With a sweet, nutty flavor and a creamy, buttery texture, they make a great topping for salads, a flavorful addition to dips and spreads, or even charred alongside asparagus.

Popular Navy Bean Recipes:

• Jamaican Oxtail with Broad Beans
• Fava Bean Breakfast Spread
• Green Risotto with Fava Beans
• More Fava Bean Recipes

10. Navy Beans

Navy beans go by several names, including haricot, pearl haricot beans, white pea beans, and Boston beans. With their mild flavor and creamy texture, they are similar to Great Northern beans in their ability to absorb surrounding flavors.

These beans are often used in classic dishes like baked beans or traditional English breakfasts. Rich in fiber, they can also help alleviate symptoms of metabolic syndrome. Try seasoning them with bay leaves, garlic, and fresh herbs for added flavor.

Favorite Navy Bean Recipes:

• Boston Baked Beans
• No Fail Bean Pie Recipe
• Bean Soup

11. Adzuki Beans

These tiny, round red beans are often transformed into a sweet red bean paste, which is a key ingredient in many Asian desserts like cakes, pastries, and even ice cream. With a naturally sweet flavor and starchy texture, adzuki beans are also great in savory dishes when paired with rice or leafy greens. Like other legumes, they’re packed with protein and fiber.

Favorite Edamame Recipes:

• Kale and Adzuki Beans
• Vegetarian Kofta Kabobs
• Adzuki Ice Cream

12. Edamame

Edamame are young soybeans, typically enjoyed while still in their pods. These beans are soft and fully edible, unlike their mature counterparts. They're a great snack, appetizer, or salad topper, and they’re packed with protein.

Whether you buy them fresh or frozen, edamame can be boiled, steamed, microwaved, baked, or pan-seared to perfection. Finish them off with a dash of sea salt, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds for extra flavor. Delicious!

"Green soybeans (edamame) baked with a crispy Parmesan crust transform a frozen snack into something irresistible," -- Sophia Candrasa. Watch the video for a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this tasty treat!

Favorite Edamame Recipes:

• Super Summer Kale Salad
• Cilantro Edamame Hummus
• More Edamame Recipes

13. Mung Beans

Mung beans are among the most widely consumed beans globally. These small, round, green beans have a distinctive white stripe and a mild flavor with a starchy texture. They're a great plant-based source of protein, and are also rich in antioxidants and fiber.

Mung beans come in various forms, including dried powder, whole uncooked beans, split beans, bean noodles, and sprouted seeds. They're perfect for soups, and their high fiber content makes them quite filling. You can also mash them and turn them into delicious fritters for a nutritious snack.

Popular Mung Bean Recipes:

• Beef Pho
• Mongo Guisado
• Millet Mung Bean Main Dish

14. Soybeans

While edamame is the young, green, fresh form of soybeans, mature soybeans are beige and dried. Edamame is picked when the beans are still soft, whereas soybeans are harvested later, when they are more mature. Soybeans are incredibly versatile and can be used to make paste, tofu, or soy flour. But they’re also delicious on their own! Simply boil them, season with herbs and spices, and enjoy a healthy soybean salad, or toss them into quinoa for an extra burst of texture.

Popular Soybean Recipes:

• Tofu Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce
• More Soybean Recipes

15. Cranberry Beans

These eye-catching beans feature a cream-colored base with red speckles, making them visually striking. Also called borlotti beans, cranberry beans have a rich, nutty flavor and a creamy texture. They're a favorite in Italian dishes like minestrone soup. Use them in hearty stews, light bean salads, or as a substitute for other beans in chili, baked beans, or pasta fagioli.

"The classic Utica greens don’t typically feature beans, but in this twist, cranberry beans play the starring role!" — Chef John

Favorite Recipes Featuring Cranberry Beans:

• Chef John's Minestrone Soup
• Bacon and Cranberry Bean Ragout