Small red beans

Small red beans are a variety of the common bean, popular in Central America. They are also known as frijoles de seda, "Mexican red beans," "Central American red beans," and "New Orleans red beans".

Dishes

Small red beans are used mainly in Central America for a variety of dishes. They are the most commonly used bean in the country of El Salvador, often used in pupusas as well as refried beans.

Small red beans contain some phytohemagglutinin and thus have some toxicity if not soaked and then boiled for at least 10 minutes. Cooking at the lower temperature of, such as in a slow cooker, is insufficient to denature the toxin and has been reported to cause food poisoning.