haricot bean

A gardener harvests ripe haricot beans from a bush.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of edible bean: "haricot bean" refers to a small, white, oval-shaped bean that is commonly used in cooking, especially in soups, stews, and baked dishes. It is a variety of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris).

Usage Examples

• (A small, white bean used in cooking.)
• (The bean that is the main ingredient in this dish.)

Advanced Usage

• "Haricot bean" vs. "Navy bean": In some contexts, "haricot bean" is synonymous with "navy bean," but "haricot bean" is more common in British English, while "navy bean" is preferred in American English.

  • The recipe calls for haricot beans, but you can substitute navy beans. (The terms are interchangeable for this bean type.)

• "Haricot bean" in culinary contexts: It is a staple in dishes like cassoulet (a French casserole) or as a base for bean salads.

  • Cassoulet traditionally includes haricot beans cooked with meat. (The bean is a key ingredient in this French dish.)

Variants and Related Words

• Haricot (n): a shortened form of "haricot bean," often used in French cuisine or recipes.

  • The chef prepared a stew of haricots with lamb. (Haricot beans used in cooking.)

• Haricot vert (n): a French term for a type of green bean, which is a different vegetable from the haricot bean (the white bean). Note: This is a related but distinct word.

  • She served haricots verts as a side dish. (Green beans, not the white haricot bean.)

Synonyms

• Navy bean: a small, white bean commonly used in baked beans.

  • Navy beans are similar to haricot beans in size and taste. (A synonym for the same bean.)

• White bean: a general term for any bean with a white colour, including haricot beans.

  • Haricot beans are a type of white bean. (A broader category.)

Related Idioms