Borlotti Beans Recipe: A Delicious And Nutritious Dish

Introduction

Borlotti beans, also known as cranberry beans or Roman beans, are a type of legume that are popular in Italian cuisine. These beans have a creamy texture and a nutty flavor that make them a great addition to soups, stews, and salads. They are also packed with nutrients, including protein, fiber, and vitamins, making them a healthy and filling option for any meal.

Ingredients

For this borlotti beans recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound dried borlotti beans
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make this delicious borlotti beans recipe:

1. Place the dried borlotti beans in a large bowl and cover with water. Let soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
2. Drain the soaked beans and rinse well. Set aside.
3. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Sauté for another 5 minutes.
5. Add the soaked borlotti beans to the pot, along with the bay leaves, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
6. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and add more broth if needed.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Remove the bay leaves and serve hot.

Nutrition

This borlotti beans recipe is not only delicious, but it is also packed with nutrients. One cup of cooked borlotti beans contains:

• Calories: 227
• Protein: 13 grams
• Fiber: 11 grams
• Carbohydrates: 40 grams
• Fat: 1 gram
• Vitamin C: 19% of the daily value (DV)
• Iron: 20% of the DV
• Potassium: 17% of the DV
• Calcium: 6% of the DV

As you can see, borlotti beans are a great source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They are also low in fat and calories, making them a healthy option for anyone trying to maintain a balanced diet.

Variations

This borlotti beans recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you could try:

• Add chopped bacon or pancetta to the pot for added flavor.
• Substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan.
• Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, or tomato sauce to the pot for a more robust flavor.
• Stir in fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, at the end of cooking for a burst of freshness.
• Serve the borlotti beans over cooked pasta or rice for a more filling meal.

Conclusion

Borlotti beans are a delicious and nutritious ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. This borlotti beans recipe is simple to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a main course, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.