No Borlotti Beans? No Problem! Try These 9 Great Substitutes

Borlotti beans, are one of the most popular and loved ingredients in Mexican and Italian cuisine. They are also referred to as cranberry beans. Those beans come in an oblong form. They have pink, purple, or crimson flecks throughout and are beige or white in appearance.

While Borlotti beans create great meals, they may not be accessible in local supermarkets. Substitutes for Borlotti beans are helpful in this situation. Some alternatives you may use whenever you can’t get these beans are Cannellini beans, Kidney beans, Lupini beans, Chickpeas, Black turtle beans, Pinto beans, Butter beans, and Fava beans.

Uses And Benefits Of Borlotti Beans

Borlitti Beans are very nutrient-dense, particularly in terms of fiber and protein. Fiber tends to make the stomach feel fuller and aid with digestion. In addition, it has a significant quantity of folate as well as other minerals including iron, magnesium, thiamine, and many more.

Borlotti has a somewhat sweet flavor and a creamy consistency. Borlotti beans are available fresh, dried, or in cans. They are great in chilis, salads, stews, dips, and sides such as vegetable and meat dishes since they give meals a creamy feel.  These beans can be included in the diets of vegans and those with celiac disease.

As a dried bean, the borlotti may remain fresh for years if kept in an airtight container in a dark, cold location. Be aware that dried beans that are older may occasionally take longer to cook than beans that are younger.

Best substitutes For Borlotti Beans

	Substitute	Best For
1.	Lupini Beans	Pastas, Soups, Salads, Stews
2.	Pinto Beans	Chilli, Vegetable dishes, Stews, refried beans, Baked dishes,
3.	Cannellini beans	Bean dips, Chilli, refried beans, stews, soups, pasta
4.	Kidney beans	Burritos, casseroles, Soups, Stews, Chilli
5.	Chickpeas	Curries, Stews, Soups, Bean dips,
6.	Black turtle beans	Chilli, Soups, Vegetable and meat dishes,
7.	Navy beans	Stews, Soups, Baked dishes, refried beans
8.	Butter beans	Casserole, Sauces, Stews, Soups, Salads, Burritos
9.	Fava beans	Bean dips, Casseroles, Salads, Sauces

Your recipe will taste wonderful if you use any of the following substitutes instead of Borlotti beans. You won’t need to change your recipes to use any of the following alternatives because most beans are prepared similarly.

1. Lupini Beans

Lupini beans, which are substantial, light yellow beans from the same plant family as Borlotti beans, are well-known in Mediterranean cuisine. Lupini beans are frequently pickled before consumption because of their starchy texture and nutty taste.

These beans are another nutrient-dense substitute for Borlotti beans because they are likewise fairly high in protein and fiber but low in carbohydrates. Lupini beans are a great addition to any diet since they support wellness and are packed with vitamins and minerals.

Additionally, they can be substituted for Borlotti beans in recipes like minestrone soup and pasta e Fagioli. Lupini beans may be used in place of Borlotti beans in any recipe by simply using an equivalent quantity.

2. Pinto Beans

There are pinto beans in practically all supermarkets. Their nutty, earthy flavor and creamy texture make them a popular Borlotti bean replacement. To cook pinto beans more quickly, soak them for several hours before boiling them. Bean burger patties with garlic, mushrooms, and onions can be made from pinto beans. They are also delicious in chili made with ground beef or ground turkey.

3. Cannellini Beans

Because they look so much like Borlotti beans, we greatly adore substituting cannellini beans for them. Both beans have skins that are light-colored and have a smooth, creamy feel. Cannellini beans are your best option if you’re seeking a Borlotti bean substitute that won’t affect the flavor of your meal. Protein, fiber, and vitamins are just a few of the components that these beans are loaded with. Italian food frequently includes cannellini beans in dishes like Pasta and soups.

Cannellini beans go well in stews that also have tomatoes and spices like sage or rosemary. Your stew will taste delicious when served with garlic bread. Soak Cannellini beans for at least five hours before cooking. You might alternatively choose to use the widely accessible canned Cannellini beans.

4. Kidney beans

are a different kind of bean that is a decent substitute for the Borlotti bean and are commonly used in Indian and Chinese cuisine. The main inspiration for its name is that kidney beans are reddish-brown in color and shaped like kidneys.

Because of their substantial taste and creamy texture, these beans are frequently used in soups and stews. Protein, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamin B are all abundant in kidney beans.

It’s crucial to remember that kidney beans may require a little bit more cooking time than Borlotti beans when used as a substitute. They are somewhat denser than Borlotti beans, which explains this. Therefore, make careful to modify if you are substituting in a recipe that calls for a longer cook time. To replace Borlotti beans, use kidney beans in a 1:1 ratio.

5. Chickpeas

Chickpeas, sometimes referred to as garbanzo beans, are frequently used in Middle Eastern cuisine. Chickpeas resemble Borlotti beans in appearance because of their round shape and beige tint. Chickpeas are another wonderful alternative when it comes to taste and texture because they also have a nutty flavor and a creamy texture.

In addition to being a great source of fiber, minerals, and protein, chickpeas are also low in calories. Chickpeas are popular in curries, soups, and stews, but they may also be roasted and eaten as a snack.

6. Black Turtle Beans

Black turtle beans are referred to be nutritious powerhouses.  These beans are a fantastic complement to any diet since they are high in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Black turtle beans are a fantastic substitute for Borlotti beans in terms of flavor and texture since they have the same nutty, somewhat sweet flavor.

A soft interior bean that blends the strong flavor of Borlotti beans with a light nutritious punch is hidden by the powerful, hard outer. These beans are frequently used in Latin American cuisines like black bean soup and chili.

The cooking time must be considered when using black turtle beans in place of Borlotti beans. Borlotti beans take longer to cook. Use one cup of black turtle beans in place of a cup of Borlotti beans.

7. Navy Beans

White beans with a little nutty flavor are navy beans, commonly referred to as haricot beans. They keep their form pretty well when cooked, making them the ideal Borlotti bean alternative for meals like stews and soups. They resemble Borlotti beans in terms of their soft texture and a mild taste. Additionally, they are rich in nutrients including iron and folate as well as fiber.

Navy beans should be soaked the night before cooking and boiled for at least two hours. Beans in a can are another option. Hearty bean soups like Senate soup benefit greatly from the inclusion of navy beans.

8. Butter Beans

Sieva beans and lima beans are other names for butter beans. You may use these creamy beans in bean recipes in place of Borlotti beans. Butter beans provide a subtle buttery taste to soups and stews. Additionally, you can use them as a dip or serve them on their own with a butter dressing, salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Before cooking, dried butter beans must soak for at least one hour. They taste well in salads and casseroles. They give dishes a fantastic mouthfeel and absorb sauce taste. Butter beans contain Linamarin, a chemical that breaks down into cyanide when the beans are digested, thus you should avoid eating them uncooked.

9. Fava Beans

Fava beans, which have a creamy texture and a nutty flavor, are a great alternative to Borlotti beans. You may consume these wide bean-like legumes either raw or cooked. This bean develops in a green pod.

 Fava beans should be blanched in boiling water for 30 seconds before being dropped into a dish. The cooked Fava beans can then be peeled and added to salads. Before cooking, dried fava beans must be soaked for at least one hour. Fava beans are delicious in salads, casseroles, and bean dips.

How To Cook With Borlotti Beans

It is advisable to soak dried borlotti beans overnight before cooking. For a quicker prep time, you might also use a pressure cooker. The borlotti bean has the advantage of not being readily overdone and holding its form nicely in a soup or baked dish even after being reheated.

Borlotti beans can be prepared and served similarly to other beans. As a side dish or as the star ingredient in a casserole or salad, the creamy texture shines on its own. You could also include it in a robust stew with meat and vegetables or add it to a pickled three-bean salad with other beans. There are countless ways to prepare and consume this bean, and its sweet, nutty flavor pairs nicely with a wide variety of herbs, spices, vegetables, and meats

Bottom Line

If a recipe asks for Borlotti beans and you don’t have any, use one of the substitutions listed above. Keep an open mind for those unexpected culinary delights since you could even appreciate your dish more if Borlotti beans are substituted. Since all beans are typically cooked the same, you won’t need to make any changes to your recipe other than switching out your Borlotti beans with the substitute you have on hand.