Creative ways with Borlotti Beans

Casserole

Borlotti beans go well with pork, sausages, sage and tomatoes. For a simple casserole fry pancetta or bacon, add your tinned borlotti beans, crushed garlic, tinned tomatoes, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, sage leaves and a little cider vinegar or apple juice. Simmer for 30 minutes and serve with jacket potatoes or hunks of bread.

Borlotti Bean Purée

In Italy they serve borlotti bean purée with roasted pork. Empty a tin of borlotti beans into a food processor with garlic, olive oil, red onion, and a dash of balsamic vinegar. Season well then blend until smooth. This also works well spread on crostini and topped with Parma ham.

Pasta e Fagioli

Make a classic Pasta e Fagioli (Americans call this ‘Pasta Fazool’) with onions and garlic fried in olive oil, tinned tomatoes, borlotti beans and a small pasta such as macaroni or conchiglie.