Fava beans, also known as broad beans, are a versatile and delicious legume that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, and they have a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. In this article, we will explore the culinary versatility of fava beans through three unique and flavorful recipes.
The first recipe is for a classic fava bean puree, a creamy and smooth dip that is perfect for spreading on bread, crackers, or vegetables. The second recipe is for a hearty and flavorful fava bean soup, perfect for a cold winter day. And the third recipe is for a refreshing fava bean salad, a great way to enjoy the fresh flavors of spring.
Each recipe provides step-by-step instructions, ingredient lists, and cooking tips to ensure that you can easily create these delicious dishes at home. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, these recipes will inspire you to explore the culinary potential of fava beans and create memorable meals for your family and friends.
BISSARA (FAVA BEAN PUREE)
This is my quick version of a recipe from International Vegetarian. Bissara is a Moroccan dip that is similar in its presentation (but not taste) to the more common hummus. Enjoy this with pita bread (fresh or toasted) or cut up vegetables. Traditionally, this is served with a generous drizzle of olive oil on top of the prepared spread both for flavor and to act as a preservative. Though I never do, you are free to so.
Provided by justcallmetoni
Categories Beans
Time 25m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Thoroughly rinse and drain the fava beans.
- In a large skillet heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for a minute. Add fava beans, vegetable broth, ¼ teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon of cayenne. Cook three to five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are warmed. Begin to mash the beans by hand or with a masher. You are looking for a consistency that is not solid but thick enough to be scooped up using bread. If it seems too thick, thin with additional broth or water.
- Mix remaining spices together and reserve.
- To serve, place Bissara into a shallow soup bowl or dessrt plate with a high lip. Sprinkle ¼ of the mixed spices. Drizzle additional oil on top. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
- Serve warm or hot.
FAVA BEAN PURéE
You find variations on this fava bean purée in Southern Italy, the Middle East and Morocco. This one, from Apulia, is the simplest. The purée should have the texture of hummus.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories easy, quick, condiments, appetizer
Time 30m
Yield Eight servings
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with ice water. Drop the shelled fava beans in the water, and boil five minutes (if the beans are small or medium-size) to eight minutes (if the beans are large). Transfer the beans immediately to the cold water. Do not drain the water in the pot. Allow the beans to cool for several minutes, then drain and slip off their skins.
- Place the skinned fava beans, salt and mashed garlic in a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Turn on the machine, and with the machine running, add the olive oil in a slow stream. Process until you achieve a smooth purée. If necessary, add enough of the cooking water to give the purée a soft, hummuslike consistency. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, taste and adjust seasoning.
- Mound the purée onto an earthenware platter or in a wide bowl. Garnish with olives, and serve with crostini or warm triangles of pita bread.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 300, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 40 grams, Fat 13 grams, Fiber 17 grams, Protein 18 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 348 milligrams, Sugar 21 grams
SEARED SEA SCALLOPS WITH FRESH FAVA BEAN PUREE AND SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS
Provided by Molly O'Neill
Categories dinner, weekday, main course
Time 30m
Yield Eight servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Blanch the fava beans in boiling water until soft, about 8 minutes. Drain and cool. Slip the skins off the beans and place in a food processor. Puree. Add the broth, cream, salt and pepper. Process until smooth. Scrape into a saucepan and warm gently over low heat.
- Heat 2 teaspoons of the oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shiitakes and saute until softened, about 5 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
- Brush the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil over a large cast-iron skillet and place over medium-high heat. Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel. Place in the skillet and sear until browned and just cooked through, about 1 minute a side. Sprinkle with lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste.
- Mound about 1/3 cup of fava bean puree onto the centers of 8 plates. Top with scallops. Scatter the mushrooms over the scallops and sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 434, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 59 grams, Fat 14 grams, Fiber 23 grams, Protein 35 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Sodium 1028 milligrams, Sugar 28 grams, TransFat 0 grams
CROSTINI OF FAVA BEAN PUREE, FRESH RICOTTA, AND MOREL MUSHROOMS
Provided by Food Network
Categories appetizer
Time 45m
Yield 12 to 15 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Using a pastry brush, brush a cookie sheet with oil. Place the sliced pieces of baguette on the cookie sheet and lightly brush each piece with oil. Bake until golden brown, approximately 6 minutes.
- With a mortar-and-pestle or a food processor, puree the fava beans with extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and Parmesan. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, to taste.
- In a skillet on high heat, saute the mushrooms in 2 tablespoons olive oil and shallots until tender. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Spread a spoonful of the fava puree on each slice of baguette and then top with a small amount ricotta then garnish with a piece of cooked morel.
FAVA BEAN PUREE
Steps:
- 1. Shell fava beans discarding pods. Boil a large pot of water and parboil the favas for 1 minute. Drain a place in ice water till cooled. Pop the favas out of their skins discarding skins. 2. Warm 1/2 cup olive oil in a sautee pan. add beans salt and pepper. Add garlic and herb sprigs and a splash of water. Cook stirring frequently 30 minutes or until beans are soft. If mixture begins to dry out add more water. 3. When beans are soft but still pale green,remove and discard herbs and mash with a potato masher or puree in a food processor. Taste for seasoning and add a few drops of lemon juice as well as additional oil. The oil is an important part of the flavor so be liberal. Serve at room temperature with grilled baguette slices.
Tips:
- Choose fresh fava beans: Look for bright green, plump beans that are free of blemishes.
- Blanch the fava beans: This will help remove the skins and make the beans more tender.
- Reserve the fava bean cooking liquid: This liquid is full of flavor and can be used to make a delicious soup or sauce.
- Use a food processor or blender to puree the beans: This will create a smooth and creamy puree.
- Season the puree to taste: Add salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste.
- Serve the puree as a dip, spread, or soup: It can also be used as a side dish or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Conclusion:
Fava bean puree is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. With its rich flavor and creamy texture, it's a great addition to any meal. Whether you're using it as a dip, spread, soup, or side dish, you're sure to love this simple yet flavorful dish. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy fava beans, give this puree a try. You won't be disappointed!
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