Borlotti Beans

Also called cranberry beans, these mottled brown beans are similar to pintos. Look for them in the bulk section, or order online to get the freshest beans. While dried bean keep a long time, they lose flavor and the ability to soften as they age. Younger beans are better.

I don't soak most beans. I cook them in the oven a ceramic bean pot with water, salt, and olive oil. Sometimes I add garlic, too. Just cook them slowly at about 200F until they're tender, adding water if the beans on top are uncovered. Sometimes they're done in a couple of hours, sometimes it takes longer.

Once cooked, you can add them to other dishes. But they're really good just plain, drizzled with your best extra virgin olive oil and dusted with some flor de sal.