What Are Borlotti Beans? Taste, Uses, and Cooking Tips

Borlotti beans, also known as cranberry beans, are beautiful, creamy legumes with reddish-pink speckles that make them stand out in any dish. Popular in Italian and Portuguese cooking, these beans are more than just good looks. They have a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and a creamy texture that makes them perfect for hearty soups, stews, salads, and casseroles.

If you’ve never cooked with borlotti beans before or only seen them in pictures, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Here’s everything you need to know about these colorful beans and how to use them in your kitchen.

What Are Borlotti Beans?

Borlotti beans are a type of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), related to kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans. They are originally from South America but are especially popular in Italy, where they are a pantry staple.

These beans are known for their striking appearance when raw: ivory or beige skin with deep red or pink streaks. Once cooked, the color fades, and they turn light brown or tan, but they still keep their creamy texture and mild flavor.

You might also hear them called:

Cranberry beans (in the U.S.)
Roman beans
Saluggia beans (in some parts of Italy)

What Do Borlotti Beans Taste Like?

Borlotti beans have a unique flavor. They’re nuttier and more flavorful than pinto or navy beans but not as strong as kidney beans. The texture is smooth, soft, and creamy, making them ideal for dishes where you want the beans to soak up seasoning.

They work great in both vegetarian dishes and meat-based meals, adding richness without overpowering other ingredients.

Fresh vs Dried vs Canned

You can find borlotti beans in three main forms: fresh, dried, or canned.

Fresh: When in season, they come in long pods with pink speckles. Shell them before cooking. They don’t need soaking and cook quickly.
Dried: The most common version. They require soaking (6–8 hours or overnight) and cooking, but the flavor and texture are excellent.
Canned: A convenient option. Already cooked and ready to use, but always rinse them to remove excess sodium and brine taste.

Each form works depending on your time and needs. Fresh is best when available, but dried beans offer the most control over flavor and salt.

How to Cook Borlotti Beans

If using dried borlotti beans, here’s a simple cooking method:

Soak the beans overnight or at least for 6–8 hours. This reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
Drain and rinse the beans.
Add to a pot with enough water to cover them by 2–3 inches.
Add a bay leaf, a clove of garlic, or a piece of onion for flavor (skip salt at this stage).
Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer and cook uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until tender.
Once soft, add salt and let sit in the cooking liquid for 10 more minutes to absorb flavor.

You can store cooked borlotti beans in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them for later use.

Common Recipes Using Borlotti Beans

Borlotti beans are super versatile. Here are a few favorite ways to use them:

Italian Bean Soup (Zuppa di Borlotti)

A classic rustic soup with borlotti beans, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, olive oil, and rosemary. Sometimes finished with a swirl of pesto or served with crusty bread.

Pasta e Fagioli

A comforting pasta and bean dish with tomato, herbs, and small pasta like ditalini. Borlotti beans give it the creamy texture and body.

Bean and Sausage Stew

A hearty mix of Italian sausage, borlotti beans, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Cooked low and slow until flavors blend together.

Borlotti Bean Salad

Toss cooked beans with olive oil, lemon juice, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs for a light summer salad.

Braised Borlotti Beans

Slow-cooked with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and a splash of white wine. Served as a side dish or vegetarian main.

Are Borlotti Beans Healthy?

Yes, borlotti beans are very nutritious. They’re packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making them excellent for digestion and blood sugar control. Here’s what they offer:

Protein: Supports muscles and repair
Fiber: Aids digestion, keeps you full longer
Iron: Supports red blood cell function
Magnesium and Potassium: Good for heart and nerve health
Low in fat: Naturally cholesterol-free

They’re also a good option for vegetarian and vegan diets, especially when paired with grains like rice or quinoa to make a complete protein.

Tips for Cooking and Storing

Don’t salt the water at the beginning when cooking dried beans. Add salt at the end so they cook evenly.
Always taste a few beans for doneness. They should be soft but not mushy.
Store cooked beans in their cooking liquid to keep them moist and flavorful.
If using canned beans, rinse them well before adding to recipes.

Final Thoughts

Borlotti beans are more than just a pretty face. With their creamy texture, nutty flavor, and deep nutrition, they bring comfort and depth to a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re cooking a warm bowl of Italian soup, adding them to a salad, or blending them into a creamy dip, these beans are a pantry ingredient worth exploring.