It is fair to say that borlotti beans are ubiquitous in a range of Italian recipes. Borlotti beans are native to Italy and known for their distinctive flavor, creaminess, and versatility.
While they have become increasingly popular among cooks of all stripes, there may be times when they are not readily available and a suitable substitute is needed.
Fortunately, there are several choices when it comes to finding a replacement for borlotti beans.
6 great alternatives to Borlotti Beans!
Cannellini beans
One of the most common substitutes is cannellini beans, which are readily available in many grocery stores in both canned and dried forms.
These white beans are large, creamy, and highly versatile, making them a great stand-in for borlotti beans. They are also particularly creamy, making them a good addition to a variety of dishes such as soups, stews, salads, and more.
What are cannellini beans?
Cannellini beans are large white Italian bean that offers a nutty flavor and creamy texture.
Often referred to as “white kidney beans”, they make the perfect addition to soups, stews, chilis, salads, and braised dishes. With plenty of protein and dietary fiber in each serving, these legumes are an excellent source of nutrition as well for those looking for healthy eating options.
Additionally, cannellini beans are noteworthy for their thiamine content providing a good boost of energy when eaten regularly.
Red kidney beans
Another suitable choice for borlotti bean substitutes is red kidney beans. Despite the name, kidney beans are usually white in color and often used in recipes for chili and other bean dishes.
They can be equally as flavorful and creamy as borlotti beans and their size and shape make them a good choice for many dishes.
What are Red Kidney Beans?
Red Kidney Beans are the life of the party! Bursting with flavor and endowed with a delightful texture, they make a hearty base for countless delicious dishes.
Full of protein and dietary fiber, they’re perfect for vegans – and anyone else who wants to add a bit of zest to their mealtime routine.
It’s no wonder why these little red nuggets have been a staple in Mexican, Indian, Italian, and Chinese cuisines for centuries!
So go ahead – grab yourself some Red Kidney Beans and show ’em who’s boss!
Fava Beans (Broad Beans)
Fava beans are another great substitute for borlotti beans. They are rarely found canned, but dried fava beans can be found in most grocery stores.
They have a slightly nutty flavor and are predominately used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking. Fava beans are high in protein and are particularly good in bean bakes and dips, and make a nice addition to salads and soups.
What are Fava beans?
Fava beans, they’re all the rage these days!
Harvested in the springtime and enjoyed nearly year-round, Fava beans are a delicious and unique addition to any dish. With an earthy nutty flavor reminiscent of mushrooms, Fava beans are becoming increasingly popular among hipsters and foodies alike.
They have high levels of folate, vitamin B6, protein, and dietary fiber, making them a staple for those looking for a nutrient-dense veggie option.
So grab your groceries, and add some fresh Fava beans to your meal prep routine – your taste buds will thank you later!
Black Eyed Peas
Black-eyed peas can also be used as an alternative to borlotti beans. They are smaller than most other types of beans, and have a mild flavor and creamy texture.
Black-eyed peas are similar in texture to borlotti beans and can be used as a substitute in a variety of dishes, from stews and soups to salads and stir-fries.
Are Black Eyed Peas Healthy for you?
Black Eyed Peas are an incredibly nutrient-dense and delicious legume that has been enjoyed as a staple in diets all around the world for centuries.
They are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and protein – packing an impressive 9g of protein in each cup of cooked peas!
Not to mention their high levels of fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion and may help reduce blood pressure levels.
Additionally, studies have found that eating black-eyed peas regularly can even help lower bad cholesterol levels and overall inflammation in the body.
In conclusion, it’s clear that black-eyed peas are absolutely healthy for you – provided they’re eaten as part of a balanced diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables!
Chickpeas
Finally, chickpeas are another good substitute for borlotti beans. While they are not as creamy as borlotti beans, they are equally as versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes.
Chickpeas have a mild, nutty flavor and are a great addition to vegetarian dishes such as hummus and falafel.
How good are Chickpeas for you?
Chickpeas are an incredibly nutritious and versatile legume, providing a number of health benefits.
They contain high amounts of fiber and plant-based proteins, as well as vitamins and minerals such as folate, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc.
Additionally, chickpeas are naturally low in fat and calories. The dietary fiber found in the legume helps to promote satiety while lowering cholesterol levels while supporting heart health.
Furthermore, they are a fantastic source of plant-based proteins which provide essential amino acids for muscle growth, maintenance, and repair free from animal products or saturated fats; this makes them ideal for vegans and vegetarians looking for quality sources of protein.
Finally, studies have linked the antioxidants present in chickpeas to reduced inflammation as well as a lower risk of some chronic conditions like diabetes or cancer.
Are Borlotti beans healthy?
The borlotti bean (also known as the cranberry bean or roman bean) is a variety of the common bean that is grown extensively in Italy.
It is characterized by its white-pink speckled and somewhat elongated shape as well as its mild, almost nutty flavor.
In recent years, the popularity of borlotti beans has grown exponentially in the health and wellness space due to their various nutritional benefits and health benefits.
When it comes to nutrition, borlotti beans are a great source of key vitamins, minerals, and other compounds.
For example, they are an excellent source of dietary fiber, with one cup boiled providing 16 grams. In addition, they provide noteworthy amounts of vitamins and minerals such as manganese, folate, magnesium, and iron.
Due to the high fiber content, they are also excellent at helping to stabilize blood sugar levels, which may be beneficial for those with type two diabetes.
Moreover, borlotti beans contain powerful plant compounds called phytochemicals. These compounds have been linked to a number of health benefits, including better gut health, improved heart health, and protection against certain types of cancer.
Additionally, borlotti beans are low in fat and contain no cholesterol, making them perfect for those who are trying to watch their fat intake.
For those who are looking to reap the health benefits of borlotti beans, there are several ways to incorporate them into the diet.
They can be boiled and then used in a variety of dishes such as salads and soups.
Alternatively, they can be mashed and used in veggie burgers, side dishes, and other plant-based recipes.
For a more exotic flavor, they can also be cooked in a spicy tomato sauce.
In conclusion, borlotti beans are an incredibly nutritious and healthy food. With their impressive nutrient profile, powerful plant compounds, and low-fat content, they are an excellent addition to any diet.
From salads and veggie burgers to soups and sauces, there are plenty of ways to incorporate these flavorful beans into meals and reap the many health benefits they have to offer.
In conclusion
In short, there are many substitutes available for borlotti beans, so if they are not available, there should be no problem in finding suitable alternatives.
Cannellini beans, red kidney beans, fava beans, black-eyed peas, and chickpeas are all excellent options that can provide flavorful and creamy alternatives to borlotti beans.
As such, any cook looking for a borlotti bean substitute should have more than enough choice.
