Popular in Italy, Lupini beans make a nutritious and tasty treat. Lupini beans are also an unsung nutrient treasure trove offering dietary fiber, protein and iron. Serve them as a snack or weave them into a soup or salad recipe.

These large-sized beans are dried and do need to be cooked.

How to Prepare Lupini Beans

Pick over beans to remove any debris. Soak overnight, drain and rinse. Cover by several inches with fresh water and simmer for an hour. Drain, rinse well, and cover with salted water (about one tablespoon per quart of water). Refrigerate. Repeat this process every day for five days, or until the soaking brine is no longer bitter. Beans will keep for weeks, covered with lightly salted water and refrigerated.

To serve as a snack, drain desired quantity of beans. Drizzle with olive oil and freshly ground black pepper.