Lupini beans

Lupini beans are large Italian beans with a slightly bitter flavor. The bean (Lupinus luteus) is a plant in the pea family.  Lupini beans are typically marinated and used in salads or served as a side dish. The pickled beans are also mixed with olives and served as a snack.

In the 1920s a newer sweeter variety (Lupinus albus) was discovered and is referred to as "sweet lupini beans" and are less bitter and require less soaking and cooking than the Lupinus luteus.  All lupini beans have to be soaked before they are cooked and the typical cooking time is longer than for most other beans. 

Lupini beans are low in carbohydrate and very high in protein. In fact, a 1/2 cup (83 grams) serving contains 8 grams of carbs, 2 grams of dietary fiber and 13 grams of protein.

Where To Buy Lupini Beans

Aside from being available in the dried form, lupini beans are cooked and packed in ready to use jars.  You can also buy snack-sized pouches of the pickled beans to eat as a snack.  You can purchase the dried beans, pouches, or the jars at Amazon.com: Lupini Beans.

Substitute For Lupini Beans

If you don't have lupini beans then you can substitute one of these alternatives:

• Fava beans, also known as (horse beans) will work in salads or soups.  They don't have the slightly bitter flavor.
• OR- Lima beans are another good option and work well in a marinated salad or in soups or stews.
• OR - For an alternate snack you can use edamame.