How To Cook Fava Beans
What the Fava?
“What are fava beans?” “What do fava beans taste like?” and “How are fava beans cooked?” are just some of the questions asked by our market customers. We hope this post will make fava beans less mysterious and inspire you to give Fava Beans a starring role in your Spring cooking!
Fava beans are abundant in spring. You can find them at farmer’s markets and in this week’s CSA box. Fava beans are part of the pea family and characterized by their soft green pods that yield tender, sweet, springy beans.
Selection & Storage: Select pods that are bright green, firm, and have a smooth exterior. It takes a lot of bean pods per serving, so we recommend 1 pound per serving. Store in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer up to one week.
Basic Prep: Shelling, blanching, and removing husks from each bean are the first steps in any cooked fava bean recipe. It is a bit of a process, but the fruit is worth the labor. This can be done ahead of time, so they are ready to go when you are! Here is a step-by-step guide to shelling fava beans.
Here are 3 ways we love to cook Fava Beans:
Photo by LeftySpoon
Saute Fava Beans
A simple dish that is packed with flavor, sauteed fava beans can be made in large batched-all the shelling, blanching, and pealing is truly worth it, and you will have plenty to share. In a large skillet, heat olive oil, add in the onions and saute until translucent. Add Fava beans and garlic. Saute for another 3 minutes, Turn off heat and stir in chopped basil. Serve with parmesan, salt, and pepper to taste.
Photo by GirlontheRange
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes w/ Fava Beans
Roasted fingerling potatoes with fava beans, mint, and lemon is a perfect spring dish. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Slice potatoes into bite-size pieces, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes. Toss roasted potatoes with your prepped fava beans, butter, garlic, mint, and lemon zest. Serve with a lemon wedge and enjoy!
Photo by Hungrycouplenyc
Angel Hair Pasta w/ Fava Beans
It is a big bowl of pasta with fresh and bright spring flavors. Simply cook pasta. Saute onions and garlic. Toss with your prepped fava beans, olive oil, basil, parmesan, and lemon juice.
Spade & Plow Fava Beans
