When you think about beans, garbanzo and black beans usually top the list. While those are undoubtedly great, fava beans are the sneaky underdog you’ve been ignoring. A member of the pea family, fava beans are a type of broad bean that flourish come spring. They have a slightly nutty flavor and creamy texture that’s spectacular in so many dishes. So today, I say expand your horizons and give this bean a try. I have a good hunch these recipes will make a fava bean lover out of you.
1. Sauteed Fava Beans with Garlic Green Onions and Basil
Fresh and easy, sauteed fava beans make a great spring side dish to go with all your meals. All the ingredients in this dish are ripe for picking come spring, making this a terrific option for seasonal eating. When using fresh beans, you’ll want to remove the shells before blanching to achieve a better texture.
2. Mexican Fava Bean Soup (Sopa de Habas)
Take a break from the norm and make a batch of this Mexican soup. This homey soup is humble, and yet, oh-so-flavorful. Most of this is due to the recado. In case you aren’t familiar, recado is a type of paste that’s common in Mexican cuisine. This soup uses a recado combination of garlic, tomato, and onion. It also adds another layer of flavor with saffron and cumin.
3. Flatbread with Fava Beans, Cucumbers, and Burrata
Fresh burrata and flatbread are already a winning combination. Add in fava beans and Persian cucumbers and you’ll find yourself with an impeccable garden-fresh meal. If you’re craving pizza, but want something a bit more healthy, this is an excellent alternative. The toppings are a healthy green goddess theme that’s bursting with fresh flavors. Oh, and if you like spice like me, you can top it off with a few red pepper chili flakes or even a drizzle of chili oil.
4. Foul Mudammas (Egyptian Fava Beans)
If you’ve never had Egyptian food before, foul mudammas is a good place to start. This dish features mashed fava bean seasoned with cumin, garlic, and lemon. For a bright pop of freshness, a mixture of tomatoes, parsley, and peppers top it off.
5. Fresh Fava Bean and Parmesan Salad
Lunch or dinner, I love having a list of simple salads to choose from so I never get bored. If you find yourself on the same page, you’ll want to add this one to the list. Blanched fava beans get a clean seasoning of lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then, it gets a subtle sprucing of shaved Parmesan cheese.
6. Fava Beans with Tomatoes
During the colder months, I’m all for a heartwarming tomato dish like fava beans and tomatoes. In a skillet, you’ll saute onions with some fava beans and tomatoes. The entire process will take less than 30-minutes so you can get to kicking back and relaxing. It’s minimal, cozy, and pairs exceptionally with a chunk of sourdough baguette.
7. Solterito (An Easy Peruvian Salad)
Another favorite fava bean salad of mine is solterito. Solterito is a salad that comes from the southern region of Peru. It has multiple variations, but I’m particularly fond of this fresh and spicy version. It’s full of fresh ingredients like fava beans, tomatoes, and queso fresco. What I think truly makes it, though, is the rocoto chile paste.
8. Grilled Fava Beans with Mint, Lemon Zest & Sumac
Fire up the grill and invite some friends because you’ll all want to try this recipe. Whole fava bean pods are grilled until they get a beautiful char, then you’ll douse them with a healthy drizzle of a garlicky citrus dressing. Top this off with some fresh herbs and Aleppo pepper for the perfect touch.
9. Spring Vegetable Salad with Buttermilk Poppy Seed Dressing
Need a fresh salad to showcase your farmer’s market ingredients? I’ve got your recipe right here. The salad is a gorgeous mix of seasonal ingredients like snap peas, watercress, and arugula. Of course, there are some fava beans in there to add in plant-based protein. If you can do dairy, I strongly recommend whipping up the Greek yogurt poppy seed dressing to match.
10. Bruschetta with Goat Cheese and Mashed Fava Beans
This variation of bruschetta is the quintessential spring appetizer for entertaining. A mashed fava bean mixture and creamy goat cheese top toasty crostinis for a tasty nibble. I love the subtle bite of the Parmesan and the freshness of the parsley. If you don’t have parsley, I think other herbs like mint, dill, or basil will work, too.
11. Rice Salad with Fresh Fava Beans and Pistachios
Give this salad a try if you want something that’s a bit more filling. It’s an adaptation from the famous Yotam Ottolenghi, so you know it’ll be good. At the base is wild rice, basmati rice, and fava beans, which makes it very satiating. A handful of fresh herbs, lemon juice, and roasted pistachios spruce it up while keeping the flavors earthy.
12. Fava Bean, Radish, and Corn Salad
Whipping up a roasted chicken, but don’t know what to serve alongside? I think this recipe will pair swimmingly. The fava beans, corn, and radishes give this dish a lovely pop of color. It’s also so incredibly easy to make. The only part that can be a bit tedious is shucking the fava beans. Although, if you get them already shucked, you’re only minutes away from throwing this together.
13. Pasta with Fava Beans and Pancetta (Fave in Porchetta)
Jazz up your pasta routine with this fun meal. It’s a lighter pasta dish that has a unique array of flavors. Pancetta adds a lovely fatty flavor that compliments the creamy and slightly sweet fava beans, both of which are immaculate when cooked in white wine.
14. Asparagus and Fava Bean Quinoa Salad
While you’re sprucing up your pasta, why not also reinvent your quinoa bowl with this recipe. It has a nice blend of springtime veggies including asparagus, peas, and fava beans. However, it needs a little extra oomph, which is perfectly executed by adding in prosciutto and Parmesan cheese.
15. Fava Bean Puree
There are an endless number of ways you can enjoy this clean-tasting puree. I like to smear it on toast with cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil. You can even try it on sweet potato toast if you’re cutting down on bread. This recipe serves as a fantastic snack or appetizer when paired with some veggies and crackers for dipping.
16. Fava Beans Risotto
Are you trying to figure out a cozy dinner for tonight? Well, you’re looking right at it. While you cook the rice, you’ll prepare the fava beans and fry the ham. Once everything is ready, you’ll have a creamy, cheesy risotto that’s divine.
17. Fava Beans and Bacon Salad
Calling all bacon lovers, I have the salad for you! The creamy, healthy taste of fava beans pairs amazingly with salty bacon. This recipe also has some other healthy ingredients like bell peppers and apple cider vinegar. That way, you can feel a little bit better about chowing down on bacon.
18. Pea, Asparagus, and Fava Bean Salad
Here is another spring salad that will pair wonderfully with some rustic farm-to-table fare. I recommend grilling the asparagus and fava beans if you have time. Grilling the veggies adds an extra layer of flavor that does wonders for the dish.
19. Moroccan Dried Fava Bean Dip or Soup – Bessara (Bissara)
Bessara is a fava bean dish that’s part soup, part dip. You can eat it as both because of the luscious and thick consistency. The ultra-thick texture is achieved by pureeing and simmering the fava beans. Meanwhile, paprika, garlic, and cumin give it a pungent punch. Top this with some more spice like harissa and quality olive oil for a more authentic touch.
20. Turkish Fava Bean Puree with Dill
Another outstanding authentic dip is this Turkish fava bean puree. It’s savory, creamy, and versatile, so you can pair it with so many things. You can brush it on toast or add it to a sandwich. You can even brush it on chicken for a tasty twist. However, if you’re trying to keep things vegan, maybe try it on tofu instead. Click on a star to rate it!
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