Description

Cranberry beans, also known as borlotti beans, are creamy, nutty-flavored legumes perfect for stews, soups, and side dishes. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this dish is both delicious and nutritious. Whether cooked fresh or dried, cranberry beans make for a hearty meal that is easy to prepare and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups dried cranberry beans (or 4 cups fresh cranberry beans, shelled)
4 cups water or vegetable broth
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
1 carrot, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Beans: Soak dried cranberry beans overnight or use the quick-soak method. Rinse and drain.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
Add Vegetables: Stir in carrot and celery; cook for 5 minutes.
Incorporate Tomatoes and Spices: Add diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, bay leaf, and thyme. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Cook the Beans: Add beans and broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning, remove bay leaf, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

For a richer flavor, cook the beans in vegetable broth and add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop Simmering
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Cranberry beans recipe, borlotti beans, healthy bean stew, vegetarian beans, protein-rich legumes, slow-cooked beans