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Kidney bean

life science Maturity 11-13 Next article →

The kidney bean is a type of common bean. It gets its name from its shape. The bean looks like a human kidney.

Red Rajma BNC
Red Rajma BNC

There are many different kinds of these beans. Some are red kidney beans. Others are light speckled or red speckled. There are also white kidney beans. In Italy, people call these white beans cannellini.

Red Rajma BNC
Red Rajma BNC

These beans provide many things for the body. When you boil them, they are mostly water. They are also 23% carbohydrates and 9% protein.

Red Rajma BNC
Red Rajma BNC

A serving of cooked beans gives 127 calories. They are a rich source of protein. They also provide folate and copper. They have moderate amounts of thiamine and other minerals.

Red Rajma BNC
Red Rajma BNC

People around the world use these beans in many dishes. In India, red kidney beans are called rajma. They are often served in a dish called rajma chawal.

Rajma Chawal from India(1)
Rajma Chawal from India(1)

This dish comes with rice and vegetables. In Pakistan, they are called surkh or laal lobia. In Jamaica, people call them red peas. In the Netherlands, they make a soup called brenebon.

Rajma Chawal from India(1)
Rajma Chawal from India(1)

It is very important to cook raw beans the right way. Raw red kidney beans have a toxin called phytohemagglutinin. This substance can make you very sick.

Red Rajma BNC
Red Rajma BNC

You must soak the beans first. Then you must boil them for at least 10 minutes. The US Food and Drug Administration says to boil them for 30 minutes. This ensures the toxin is destroyed. Using a slow cooker might not be enough.

Red Rajma BNC
Red Rajma BNC

Eating even one undercooked bean can cause problems. It can cause nausea, vomiting, or stomach pains.

Red Rajma BNC
Red Rajma BNC

As few as five raw beans can cause these issues. However, canned red kidney beans are safe to eat. They are already cooked before they are shipped in cans. This makes them easy to use in many meals. You can use them in chili con carne or bean paste.

Red Rajma BNC
Red Rajma BNC
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File:Red Rajma BNC.jpg
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File:Rajma Chawal from India(1).jpg
Rajma Chawal from India(1).jpg
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