Borlotti Beans are a bean variety grown in the United States, Italy, and many other countries. They have large, reddish-brown spotted shells and cream or pink interiors. Barbunya beans are very similar to other beans. It is consumed fresh, dry, or canned. It is a delicious and nutritious option and is used in many dishes.
Borlotti Beans benefits:
- Tasty and versatile: It has a sweet and creamy texture and a light nutty flavor. Therefore, it can be used in soups, salads, pilafs, stews, and many other dishes. It can also be crushed or pureed for sauces or dips.
- Nutritional properties: It has a high fiber content. Fiber supports digestive health and increases the feeling of fullness. It also contains essential nutrients such as protein, iron.
- Cholesterol-lowering effect: Borlotti Beans are a source of protein that does not contain saturated fat and does not contain cholesterol. Therefore, it is a food suitable for a low-cholesterol diet. It can also help keep cholesterol levels under control, thanks to its fiber content.
- Blood sugar control: Borlotti Beans have a low glycemic index. Since it is digested slowly, it can help balance blood sugar. This property can be helpful for diabetes management.
- Source of minerals and antioxidants: Borlotti Beans contain minerals such as iron, magnesium, and potassium.
Borlotti Beans are known for their various health benefits and nutritional properties. You can contribute to a balanced nutrition program by adding it to your meals. However, it’s important to boil the beans thoroughly before cooking because raw beans can contain phytohemagglutinin, a naturally toxic compound.
What is Barbunya (Turkish style Borlotti Beans)?
Barbunya is basically the term used to refer to Borlotti or cranberry beans in Turkey. Pilaki is the most common dish made using Borlotti Beans, namely Barbunya beans, in Turkey. Generally, these beans are cooked with an olive oil-based cooking technique named pilaki. Pilaki refers to cooking in a sauce made with onions, garlic, carrot, tomatoes, sugar, and olive oil. This technique is also common in Greece (pilaki) and Bulgaria (pilakiya). Pilaki is the most common dish made using Borlotti Beans, namely Barbunya beans, in Turkey. You can eat Borlotti dish at Mama Fatma with a lingering flavour in your mouth.
Have you wondered what are Borlotti Beans and how you can make them? It’s delicious and easy to make, the perfect dish for those cold fall days. The dish can be made throughout September when fresh Borlotti Beans are available, and the homemade tomatoes are bursting with flavour. The Borlotti Beans recipe is easy to make and has a delicious flavour. You can eat the tastiest Borlotti Beans dish in Mama Fatma!
Ingredients
If you want to prepare a delicious Borlotti bean dish, here is what you need.
- 5 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 large onions (finely chopped)
- 4 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 3 1/2 pounds tomatoes
- 2 pounds 12 ounces Borlotti Beans (fresh; 1 pound 7 ounces shelled weight)
- 1 small bay leaf
- 7 ounces spinach (washed)
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
How to make Borlotti Beans?
- Put in a large saucepan over low heat. Add the oil and stir once hot, chopped onion and garlic. Lightly fry for 15 minutes, then stir in the seasonings and cook for another 5 minutes or until the onions are soft and golden.
- Peel the tomatoes: draw a small cross at the base of each tomato. Boil them in water for 10 seconds, one at a time. Remove with a slotted spoon and drop into ice water. Shell.
- Roughly chop the peeled tomatoes and mix them with the softened onions. Increase the heat slightly and bring to a boil, then cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring regularly, until the tomatoes form a thick sauce.
- Add shell beans, bay leaves, and 1.5 liters / 2½ water. Turn the heat to high and bring to a boil (this will take about 15 minutes), then lower the temperature to low and cook gently for just under 2½ hours.
- When the beans are tender, and the soup flavours sweeten, stir in the baby spinach. Season to taste and extract the bay leaf before tasting. And it’s ready! Bon appetite.
How to cook Borlotti Beans?
Before cooking with Borlotti Beans, you need to prepare them properly. The steps to follow are:
- Sort the beans, remove any stones or debris.
- Rinse the beans thoroughly under running water.
- Soak the beans in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. The soaking time will depend on the size and condition of the beans. If you’re short of time, put the beans in a pot and boil them, then let them sit for an hour.
- Drain the beans and rinse again before cooking.
You can cook them within a short time. The beans will get a soft brown color after being cooked, but they still are soft and creamy inside. You can also taste Borlotti Beans in Mama Fatma, where it is presented in its most delicious and original form and brings all the richness of Italian cuisine to life.
How to serve Borlotti Beans?
Known as Barbunya beans or Borlotti Beans, the delicious legume is used in many dishes and creates appetizing images on the table. In Mediterranean cuisine, Borlotti Beans are often prepared with olive oil. You can serve Borlotti Beans dish with rice or side dishes. Also, according to your taste, you can just sprinkle some herbs such as spinach or parsley.
Can I use dried or canned Borlotti Beans to make Barbunya Pilaki? FAQ
This is actually based on your free time. If you have plenty of time, then you can use dry beans. However, if you do not have time or you are busy, then canned Borlotti Beans will be the best option for you. You can make Barbunya Pilaki with dried or canned beans, which will be very tasty.
How to store leftovers?
The leftovers would keep refrigerated for up to five days and frozen for up to three months in an airtight container.
