Borlotti beans, also known as cranberry beans, are a beloved staple in many vegan kitchens thanks to their creamy texture and slightly nutty flavor. These beautiful speckled beans are incredibly versatile, lending themselves perfectly to hearty stews, vibrant salads, and comforting pasta dishes.
If you’re looking to add a nutritious punch to your plant-based meals, borlotti beans are a fantastic choice. They’re packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making them an excellent foundation for satisfying vegan recipes that don’t compromise on taste or texture.
In this post, we’ll explore some delicious vegan borlotti bean recipes that are easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Whether you want a warming bowl of stew or a fresh, zesty salad, these recipes will inspire your next meal.
Plus, I’ll share tips to make the most of these beans and some creative variations to keep your dishes exciting. Ready to discover your new favorite vegan borlotti bean recipes?
Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Borlotti beans are a vegan powerhouse ingredient. Not only do they provide a rich source of plant-based protein and fiber, but their creamy texture makes them an excellent substitute for meat in many dishes.
These recipes are designed to be simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor, ensuring that you’ll enjoy every bite.
Each recipe highlights the beans’ natural taste while incorporating fresh herbs, spices, and vegetables to create balanced meals. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based cooking, these borlotti bean recipes offer comforting options that are both nutritious and satisfying.
Plus, borlotti beans are budget-friendly and widely available, making them accessible for everyone.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried borlotti beans (or 2 cups canned, drained and rinsed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Cooked rice or crusty bread, for serving
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven for cooking beans and stews
- Colander for rinsing beans
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Optional: blender or food processor for creamy borlotti bean dips
Instructions
- Prepare the borlotti beans: If using dried beans, soak them overnight in cold water. Drain and rinse. Place the beans in a large pot, cover with fresh water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside. If using canned beans, rinse and drain thoroughly.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and chili flakes if using. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Incorporate tomatoes and broth: Add the diced tomatoes and cook down for about 5 minutes until they start to break down. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the cooked borlotti beans: Stir the beans into the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish with lemon juice and herbs: Just before serving, stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley or basil to brighten the dish.
- Serve warm: Spoon the borlotti bean stew over cooked rice or alongside crusty bread for a hearty vegan meal.
Tips & Variations
“Soaking dried borlotti beans overnight not only reduces cooking time but also improves digestibility.”
- Make it a stew or soup: Add more vegetable broth to turn the recipe into a warming soup perfect for chilly days.
- Spice it up: Add smoked chipotle powder or fresh jalapeños for a smoky heat.
- Use fresh herbs: Swap parsley for cilantro or oregano depending on the flavor profile you want.
- Borlotti bean salad: Toss cooked beans with chopped red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olive oil, and lemon juice for a refreshing summer salad.
- Borlotti bean dip: Blend cooked beans with garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and olive oil for a creamy vegan dip to enjoy with veggies or crackers.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Protein | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Dietary Fiber | 9g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Iron | 3.5mg |
| Vitamin C | 10mg |
Serving Suggestions
Borlotti bean dishes pair beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Serve your borlotti bean stew over fluffy basmati rice or alongside warm, crusty artisan bread to soak up all the delicious juices.
For a lighter meal, try a borlotti bean salad with fresh greens and a tangy vinaigrette. You can also incorporate these beans into vegan tacos or burritos, combining them with avocado, salsa, and fresh cilantro for a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal.
For inspiration on other vegan dishes, check out the Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe or the refreshing Collard Green Casserole Recipes.
Delicious Vegan Borlotti Bean Recipes to Try
Borlotti Bean and Tomato Stew
This classic stew is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. The combination of borlotti beans, tomatoes, and smoky spices creates a rich and satisfying flavor.
- Ingredients: borlotti beans, tomatoes, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, smoked paprika, cumin, olive oil, salt, pepper.
- Instructions: Follow the main instructions above for the stew.
Borlotti Bean Salad with Fresh Herbs
Perfect for warmer days, this salad is bright and refreshing. Toss cooked borlotti beans with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a lemon-olive oil dressing.
Finish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Creamy Borlotti Bean Dip
A versatile vegan dip that’s great for parties or snacks. Blend cooked borlotti beans with garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and a touch of olive oil until smooth.
Serve with pita wedges or fresh vegetable sticks.
Borlotti Bean and Spinach Curry
For a flavorful twist, simmer borlotti beans in a coconut milk-based curry sauce with spinach, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Serve with steamed jasmine rice or naan bread for a satisfying meal.
Borlotti Bean Pasta
Add cooked borlotti beans to your favorite pasta along with sautéed garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. Toss with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon for a quick, protein-packed vegan dinner.
For a creamy touch, try pairing with the Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe.
Conclusion
Borlotti beans are truly a vegan kitchen hero, offering both nutrition and versatility. From warming stews to fresh salads and creamy dips, these recipes showcase the bean’s adaptability and rich flavor.
Incorporating borlotti beans into your diet is a wonderful way to enjoy wholesome, plant-based meals that satisfy your taste buds and fuel your body.
Whether you’re new to cooking with borlotti beans or looking for fresh ideas, these recipes and tips will inspire you to experiment and create delicious vegan dishes. Don’t forget to explore other fantastic recipes like Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe for a sweet finish or Chipotle Black Beans And Rice Recipe for another protein-packed meal option.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Borlotti Bean Stew
Description: A hearty and flavorful vegan stew featuring tender borlotti beans simmered with vegetables and herbs. Perfect for a nutritious and comforting meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried borlotti beans (or 2 cups cooked)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Soak borlotti beans overnight and rinse well.
- In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add soaked beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, and smoked paprika.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40-45 minutes until beans are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 50 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Borlotti Bean Stew”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and flavorful vegan stew featuring tender borlotti beans simmered with vegetables and herbs. Perfect for a nutritious and comforting meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT45M”, “totalTime”: “PT60M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup dried borlotti beans (or 2 cups cooked)”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 medium onion, chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “2 medium carrots, diced”, “1 celery stalk, diced”, “1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes”, “4 cups vegetable broth”, “1 teaspoon dried thyme”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “Salt and pepper, to taste”, “Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Soak borlotti beans overnight and rinse well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a pot, heat olive oil and saut\u00e9 onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add soaked beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, and smoked paprika.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40-45 minutes until beans are tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “18 g”, “fatContent”: “5 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “50 g”}}