Food features
Kidney beans: To drain or not to drain?
by Jennene Plummer
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Woman's Day Food Director Jennene Plummer answers your questions about all things food.
Question
"When I have made minestrone soup in the past I have always tipped the whole tin of kidney beans into the soup — liquid and all. I have since heard that they should always be drained and washed. Is this right?"
— Mrs A. Guthridge
Answer
Yes, it is correct to drain and rinse beans before adding to dishes. This is to remove any excess salt, carbohydrates and liquid that can affect your recipe and to help prevent cloudiness. Having said this, it is a recommended step, not an essential one.
Reader recipe
Check out our reader recipe for:
Chicken minestrone.
