French Horticultural Beans also known as Cranberry Speckled Borlotti Beans

The Cranberry Speckled Borlotti Bean, also known as the French Horticultural Bean, is  a hidden gem among legumes.  These beautiful beans, which you can find at Pearl Market now, are low in fat and packed with nutrients.  Also, this wonderful cranberry-type bean grows on a bushy bean plant that produces runners.  The cream-colored pods with dark red stripes are very easy to shell.  Very popular in France, the bean cooks up firm with a delightful nutty flavor.  Although this bean is often preferred as a dry bean, it is also highly recommended as a shelling bean, and it’s excellent for freezing and canning, too.

The Borlotti Bean is delicious as a standalone side dish and a colorful addition to any salad, including the many recipes for bean salads.  S0, stop by Pearl Market this week to buy some of these interesting and tasty beans and try the Heartland Bank Recipe of the Week for Cranberry Beans, Cherry Tomatoes & Cucumber Salad.

Borlotti Beans, Cherry Tomatoes & Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

2 cups fresh borlotti beans

couple of handfuls of cherry tomatoes, halved

1 medium red onion, sliced thinly

1 cucumber, peeled & sliced

fresh herbs of your choice, chopped: marjoram, oregano or basil work well

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

9 tablespoons extra virgin olive

salt pepper

vegetable scraps (celery tops, carrot peels, ends of onions, etc.)

Directions

1. First, in a pot with plenty of water, bring the beans to a boil with vegetable scraps: the bits from the fridge such as celery tops, the bendable carrot destined for the garbage, half an onion sitting in your fridge that doesn't look so great - toss it in! (The veggies give the beans a bit more flavor.)
2. Then, bring to boil then lower to simmer 20-30 minutes until the beans are tender.
3. Meanwhile, drain & discard the vegetables.
4. Then, in a bowl combine the beans, tomatoes, onion, cucumber. Add in the herbs.
5. Next, combine the oil & vinegar then toss with the salad. Season with salt & pepper.
6. Finally, let stand 10-15 minutes to let the flavors come together. Recheck your seasonings (taste it) and adjust.

Recipe courtesy of LaTavolaMarche.com

Recipe sponsored by Heartland Bank