10 Substitute For White Navy Beans To Try Out

White navy beans are small, creamy beans known for their mild flavor and smooth texture. They are often used in soups, stews, and baked bean dishes due to their ability to absorb flavors well and add a satisfying thickness to recipes.

Not everyone has white navy beans on hand when cooking, and in some cases, dietary preferences or allergies might require an alternative. Fortunately, there are several substitutes that can be used in place of white navy beans without compromising on taste or texture.

This article will explore ten great substitutes for white navy beans, breaking down the benefits and characteristics of each alternative. Whether you’re out of white navy beans or simply looking for a change, these substitutes are versatile and can be easily adapted to different recipes.

10 Best Substitute For White Navy Beans

1. Great Northern Beans

Great Northern beans are a close cousin of white navy beans and are often considered one of the best substitutes. These beans are slightly larger but share the same mild, nutty flavor and tender texture. They are great in soups, stews, and casseroles, making them a versatile replacement. Like white navy beans, Great Northern beans absorb the flavors of other ingredients well, making them ideal for dishes where you want the beans to take on the taste of seasonings, herbs, or meats.

The cooking time for Great Northern beans is also similar to white navy beans, so you won’t need to adjust your recipe much. If you’re using canned Great Northern beans, simply drain and rinse them before adding them to your dish. If you’re cooking them from dry, soak them overnight and cook until tender.

2. Cannellini Beans

Cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans, are another excellent substitute for white navy beans. These beans are larger and have a slightly firmer texture, but their mild, nutty taste makes them a great alternative. Cannellini beans work especially well in Italian dishes like soups and pasta salads, where their size and firmness can hold up to hearty ingredients like tomatoes, kale, or sausage.

While they may take a little longer to cook than navy beans, their flavor is equally neutral and versatile. If you’re looking for a creamier texture in soups or dips, you can easily mash Cannellini beans to replicate the smoothness of navy beans.

3. Butter Beans

Butter beans, also called lima beans, are another substitute for white navy beans. These beans have a creamy texture and a slightly buttery flavor, making them perfect for dishes where you want a rich, smooth consistency. Butter beans are a great option in casseroles, soups, and even bean salads where you want a bit more creaminess.

While they are larger than navy beans, butter beans can be a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a softer, more delicate texture. Just be mindful that butter beans can break down more easily when overcooked, so keep an eye on your cooking times, especially in stews or soups.

4. Chickpeas

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a popular bean variety that can serve as a substitute for white navy beans, though they have a slightly firmer texture and a more pronounced nutty flavor. Chickpeas are widely used in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian cuisine and can bring a unique texture and flavor to your dishes.

In soups and stews, chickpeas hold their shape well, providing a slightly heartier bite than white navy beans. They are also a great option in salads, spreads like hummus, or even roasted as a snack. If you’re using chickpeas as a substitute, remember that they may not blend into the background as much as white navy beans due to their firmer texture, but they add a delicious depth to many recipes.

Read also, 12 Best Substitutes For Cranberry Beans

5. Black Beans

Black beans are a common pantry staple, especially in Latin American and Southwestern cuisines. They can be used as a substitute for white navy beans, although they have a darker color and a slightly stronger, earthy flavor. Despite these differences, black beans can be a great choice if you’re making soups, stews, or chili, where their rich flavor complements spices and seasonings.

When using black beans in place of white navy beans, be aware that they will change the appearance of your dish, as their dark color can tint soups or casseroles. However, their hearty texture and ability to absorb flavors make them a suitable alternative for many savory recipes.

6. Pinto Beans

Pinto beans are another widely available bean that can work as a substitute for white navy beans. They have a light, earthy flavor and a creamy texture when cooked, making them an excellent choice for soups, stews, and chili. Pinto beans are often used in Mexican cuisine, but they are versatile enough to work in various dishes.

Like navy beans, pinto beans can absorb the flavors of the ingredients they are cooked with, making them a good substitute if you want your beans to take on the taste of a broth, sauce, or seasonings. They are also easy to mash if you need a smoother texture, such as in dips or spreads.

7. Adzuki Beans

Adzuki beans, commonly used in East Asian cuisine, are small, red beans that can be a unique substitute for white navy beans. They have a slightly sweet flavor, making them a good option for dishes that require a mild sweetness, like soups or salads. While adzuki beans are smaller and red in color, they share a similar tender texture with white navy beans.

Adzuki beans are a bit firmer than navy beans, so they might take a little longer to cook, but they can add an interesting flavor dimension to your dish. They are particularly good in recipes where the color difference won’t matter, such as in grain bowls or mixed bean salads.

8. Kidney Beans

Kidney beans are larger and have a distinct shape, but they can still be used as a substitute for white navy beans, especially in hearty dishes like chili, soups, or casseroles. Kidney beans have a slightly stronger, more pronounced flavor, but their creamy texture when cooked can make them a great replacement.

One thing to keep in mind with kidney beans is their size, as they are much bigger than white navy beans. However, if you’re making a dish where the beans are not the primary focus, this size difference is unlikely to matter. The firm texture of kidney beans also holds up well in long-cooked dishes, making them a reliable substitute.

Read also, 12 Best Substitutes For Fava Beans

9. Red Beans

Red beans are similar to kidney beans but smaller and softer in texture. They have a mild flavor that can be used in place of white navy beans in many recipes. Red beans are especially popular in Creole and Cajun cooking, often used in dishes like red beans and rice, but they are versatile enough to work in soups, stews, and casseroles.

If you’re looking for a substitute that won’t overpower the other flavors in your dish, red beans are a great choice. They blend well into recipes without dominating the flavor profile, making them a good stand-in for white navy beans.

10. Fava Beans

Fava beans, also known as broad beans, are larger and have a slightly stronger, more earthy flavor than white navy beans, but they can still serve as a substitute in certain dishes. Fava beans have a firm texture and work well in stews, soups, and salads where a heartier bean is needed.

Fava beans may require a bit more preparation, as they often need to be peeled after cooking to remove their tough outer skin. However, once peeled, their tender inside offers a buttery texture that can work well in recipes calling for navy beans. Keep in mind that fava beans are best used in dishes where a bit more bite and flavor won’t be out of place.

Conclusion

White navy beans are a popular ingredient in many recipes due to their mild flavor and smooth texture, but there are plenty of alternatives available when you need a substitute. From the close match of Great Northern beans to the unique flavors of adzuki or chickpeas, each of these substitutes can bring something new to your dish. By understanding the characteristics of each bean, you can choose the best alternative for your recipe, ensuring that your meal turns out just as delicious, even without white navy beans.