Borlotti beans recipes..Bought dried, they are similar in size to the kidney bean. Borlotti beans are a medium-sized tan coloured bean mottled with deep magenta, speckles. A large plump bean that is pinkish-brown in colour with reddish-brown streaks. Borlotti beans are widely used in Italian cooking and have a sweetish flavour with a smooth creamy texture. They work well in salads and casseroles.