What Do You Use Mayocoba Beans For? 10 Delicious Ways to Cook with This Versatile Legume

Mayocoba beans, also known as canary beans or Peruvian beans, are a delicious and versatile legume that deserves a spot in every pantry. With their smooth, creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor, these pale yellow beans can be used in a variety of dishes. Read on to discover the many ways to cook with mayocoba beans.

Mayocoba beans are medium-sized, oval shaped beans that are commonly used in Latin American and Peruvian cuisine. When cooked, they have a wonderfully smooth, creamy texture reminiscent of butter or velvet. Their flavor is mild, meaning they take on the taste of whatever seasonings or ingredients they are cooked with.

Here are some key features of mayocoba beans

• Color: Pale yellow
• Size: Medium
• Texture: Smooth and creamy
• Flavor: Mild, nutty, buttery

The beauty of mayocoba beans lies in their versatility Their mild taste and creamy texture allows them to be substituted for other beans like cannellini, pinto and navy beans in recipes Read on to discover all the delicious ways to use mayocoba beans!

10 Tasty Ways to Use Mayocoba Beans

1. Simmered BeansThe simplest way to cook mayocoba beans is simmering them on the stovetop with aromatic flavorings Try simmering them in vegetable or chicken broth with garlic, onions, bay leaves, cumin and oregano for a flavor packed side dish

2. Refried Beans
   The smooth, creamy texture makes mayocoba beans perfect for refrying. Cook the beans until very tender then mash them with oil or lard for the creamiest refried beans to enjoy in tacos, burritos or tostadas.

3. Vegetarian Tacos
   Speaking of tacos, mayocoba beans make a protein-rich, meatless taco filling. Season them with taco spices and pile into soft corn tortillas with all your favorite toppings.

4. Bean Soups and Chili
   Add cooked mayocoba beans to soups and chili for extra protein and fiber. They’ll hold their shape nicely when simmered for a long time. White chicken chili is especially delicious made with mayocobas.

5. Burgers and Croquettes
   Mash cooked beans and mix with breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, cumin and coriander. Form into patties and pan fry for delicious bean burgers and croquettes.

6. Bean Salads
   Toss cooked, chilled mayocoba beans with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta and olives. Dress with a tangy vinaigrette for a protein and fiber-rich bean salad.

7. Baked Bean Casserole
   Mix mayocoba beans with sautéed veggies like peppers, onions and garlic. Add your favorite barbecue sauce and bake until bubbly for a comforting baked bean casserole.

8. Bean Dips
   Blend mayocoba beans with olive oil, garlic, cumin, coriander and lime juice. Add the dip to chips, crackers or fresh veggies for a healthy, protein-packed snack.

9. Rice and Bean Bowls
   Layer cooked mayocoba beans over grains like brown rice or quinoa with sauteed veggies for a complete vegetarian bowl. They’re also delicious in burrito bowls.

10. Purees and Sauces
    The smooth, creamy texture of mayocoba beans makes them perfect for blending into dips, sauces and soups. Try making a white bean rosemary puree or use in place of white beans in hummus.

Tips for Cooking Mayocoba Beans

To cook perfect mayocoba beans every time, follow these helpful tips:

• Soak beans overnight or quick soak before cooking to reduce gas and cooking time

• Season cooking liquid with aromatics – try onion, garlic, bay leaves or epazote

• Cook beans gently and avoid acid ingredients until beans are tender

• Simmer beans until completely tender for refrying or mashing

• Cook beans in broth or water versus oil for the creamiest texture

• Store cooked beans in their liquid and use within 5 days

Simple Mayocoba Bean Recipes to Try

Here are 3 quick recipe ideas for cooking with mayocoba beans:

• Mayocoba Bean Tacos – Season cooked beans with cumin, chili powder and lime juice. Serve in corn tortillas with salsa, guacamole, lettuce, cheese and sour cream.

• Creamy Mayocoba Bean Dip – Blend cooked mayocoba beans with olive oil, garlic, cumin and lime juice. Serve with tortilla chips for dipping.

• Mayocoba and Veggie Chili – Simmer beans with tomatoes, corn, zucchini, peppers and chili seasoning for a hearty vegetarian chili.

Discover This Delicious and Versatile Legume

With their mild flavor and supremely creamy texture, mayocoba beans deserve a permanent place in your pantry rotation. Their ability to substitute for other bean varieties makes them endlessly adaptable. For an easy nutrition boost, add these tasty legumes to soups, tacos, dips, casseroles and more. Now that you know the many uses for mayocoba beans, it’s time to start cooking!