5 Best Substitutes for Black-Eyed Peas

A few weeks ago, I came across this mouthwatering and zesty-looking Mexican Chicken Soup recipe on YouTube that used black beans. The soup looked so delicious that it urged me to cook instantly but sadly, black beans are rare to find in the part of the world I live in. That’s when I started my research and ended up finding some amazing substitutes for black beans.

There are plenty of other beans you can substitute for black beans, such as Pinto beans, chickpeas, lentils, and Fresh lima beans. You will likely find one or two of these in your kitchen pantry.

Listed below are the 5 best substitutes I could find for black beans that worked just as well in my recipes, and they turned out so YUM! 

If you’re someone who’s also in the same boat, read on to put a stop to your struggle and enjoy your meals.

What are Black-Eyed Peas?

Black-eyed peas are not exactly peas but beans. They belong to the family of legumes containing high protein and carbohydrates while having a low-fat content. The cream color and a small black speck in the center make it look like an eye, where it gets the name.

Uses of Black Beans – Dishes to Cook Using Black Beans?

Black beans are indeed a unique ingredient and can be added to all sorts of dishes, be it casseroles, soups, salads, desserts, tacos, or used as a side dish; you name it. You can put black-eyed peas in literally anything to give them a meaty texture and nutty flavor. The best part is; they are also economical. Bingo!

Below is a list of some wonderful black bean dishes you can try out to have an amazing dieting experience and add to your meal rotation.

• Chipotle Black Bean Chilli Soup
• Mexican Chicken Soup
• Salads
• Enchiladas, salads, quesadilla
• Side dishes such as;
• Black Bean Brownies
• Black Bean and Rice (Popularly known as Rajma Chawal in South Asia)

5 Best Substitutes to Use in Place of Black Beans

If you are short on black beans or you don’t have any place near where you can get them from, worry not. These beans can easily be replaced with several other legume beans to give you a similar texture and a unique taste.

Here’s list of 5 handy ingredients you can use to make your favorite dishes and not miss black beans at all!

1.    Pinto Beans

Pinto beans are the most common type of legume produced in abundance in Northern Mexico and the Southwestern United States. These beans are the best replacement for black beans because they have a similar nutritional profile. Talking about the flavor of pinto beans, it’s safe to say that pinto beans are richer than black beans.

It is the most easily found ingredient in any pantry. These can be used to cook soups, stews, enchiladas, and burritos. These beans are found in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine.

2.    Fresh Lima Beans

Another delicious and versatile substitute for black beans is Lima beans. Lima beans are famous for their creamy texture and mild flavor. Having almost the same nutritional value, lima beans can make your dish healthy and flavorful. You can find these beans in various forms, such as; canned, dry, or frozen.

Over cooking these might lose their taste, so keep the flame low. Lima beans can be added to any dish to have a delicate flavor and aroma.

3.    Purple Hull Peas

Another less expensive bean substitute close to the texture of black beans is Purple Hull Peas. These are easily found in nearby stores. Having a similar flavor and touch, they go pretty well in all the dishes back beans are used.

4.    Chickpeas

Who doesn’t love chickpeas? The famous Guasanas and Humus are made with chickpeas which are eaten worldwide. But did you know chickpeas are also a really good replacement for black beans? Readily available in stores, chickpeas are a healthy option to substitute in place of black beans.

Chickpeas make delicious salads, stews, and soups. And these can also be eaten with rice similar to black beans. Containing nearly the same nutrients as black beans but a higher level of fiber and potassium, these are perfect for incorporating into your diet.

5.    Lentils

In case you’re unable to find any beans around you, or you’re not a fan of beans, lentils would be the best bet for you. They are an excellent source of vitamins, protein, and fiber, containing a very low-calorie count. There are different colored lentils you can use according to your taste preference.

Benefits of Black Beans

Black-eyed beans are packed with numerous health benefits and a large number of nutrients. Here’s a quick and short rundown of the health benefits of black beans.

• Support weight loss
• Help fight anemia
• Help keep blood sugar levels balanced
• Improve heart health
• Work amazingly for digestive health
• Strengthen eye tissues as they are rich in bioflavonoids and zinc
• Keep your bones healthy and strong

Conclusion

Finding the same ingredient can be difficult sometimes, but alternatives are always available. You don’t have to stop cooking if you realize you don’t have black beans at the moment. Instead, you can look for replacements you can use in place of it and add them to your dish to make it taste equally yummy and delicate.

Black beans can be a great addition to your dietary essentials and help your weight loss journey. I’m hoping this blog will be helpful to you in finding alternatives to black beans in case you have difficulty searching for them. Use any of these ingredients, and you won’t be disappointed.