What a pleasant surprise to find fresh borlotti beans in the farmers’ market!  These were from Italy; they aren’t be harvested yet in our region.  I love their firm exteriors and creamy interiors!  Inspiration for this recipe comes from Sweet Almond Tree http://sweetalmondtree.blogspot.fr/2013/05/borlotti-beans-in-mediterranean-bean.html.  I liked this recipe because of the thick sauce. 

As we’re leaving on Wednesday to join my husband in Stuttgart and catch the plane to the U.S., I adjusted the recipe according to what I needed to use in the refrigerator; uncooked chicken thighs, fresh tomatoes and leeks.

Dried beans just can’t compare to the fresh ones.  When I get back, I’m going to shell and freeze some to tide us over the barren seasons

Open face style!

Fresh Borlotti Beans

2 chicken thighs

1 large purple onion, chopped

4-5 cloves garlic, chopped

2 small leeks, chopped

1 glug olive oil

1 bunch parsley, leaves chopped

2 each, red, yellow and orange tomatoes, coarsely chopped

1 bay leaf

1 tsp dried oregano

Salt and pepper

2 cups chicken broth

2lbs unshelled fresh borlotti beans, shelled

1 glug of olive oil

Basil leaves, torn

Brown the chicken thighs in a hot skillet, then set aside.

In a large pot, saute the onion, garlic and leeks in the olive oil until the vegetables are soft.  Add the parsley, tomatoes, bay leaf, oregano, salt, pepper, chicken broth and reserved chicken thighs.  Bring to a boil, then reduce flame and simmer for about 20 minutes.

Remove the chicken thighs from the pot, remove bones, then chop into coarse pieces.  Set aside.

Add the beans and the glug of olive oil  to the pot, bring to a boil, then simmer for about 1 hour until the insides are cooked and creamy.  Add the chopped chicken and continue to cook for about 15 minutes.  Sprinkle with basil leaves and serve.   

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