Fava beans or Vicia Faba are the oldest member of the pea family. These beans are also known as broad beans, Windsor beans, horse beans, and even pigeon beans. These beans are native to North Africa and Southwest Asia. This pea pod looks like bean which is green when young changes to blackish brown on maturity. Each pod has 3-8 seeds. This broad bean has become an integral part of Mediterranean Cuisine since 6000 BC.
The fava beans are mashed along with chick peas to make falafel, it is shelled and the seeds are pureed and used as a spread on crostini or in the preparation of vegetables, grilled meats, fish and chicken. The traditional preparation of Fava beans in Italy is an appetizer which includes cooked peas sprinkled with olive oil and salt, served alongside salami, prosciutto and slices of Parmesan or pecorino cheese. Fava beans can be sprinkled over risottos, stews, soups, vegetables or simply stir fried and served with white rice.
It is recommended to buy fresh fava beans from the Ocean Mist Farms, which are tender pods with crisp seeds. It is always good to store the beans shelled, cooked and sealed in a plastic bag, in the crisper section of the refrigerator. Fava beans are rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, carbohydrates, protein, vitamin C, B3, B5, biotin, foliate, zinc and fiber, which helps to reduce stress, reduces cholesterol and clears the toxins from the digestive system. There might be chances of getting favism from the consumption of raw fava beans or breathing the pollens, but when properly cooked the peas do not cause any harm. These beans are wonderful in winter and soothe as they go down your throat in form of a soup.
The recipe of Fava Beans Soup is as follows:
Ingredients:
1 cup shelled, cooked and pulverized peas
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp crushed garlic
Chopped shallots
1 tsp dried mint leave
1 tsp oregano
Salt and pepper seasonings
1 tbsp cornstarch
4 cups Chicken stock
Method:
Fry shallots and garlic in butter and fold in pulverized peas and saute the mixture for some time and add chicken stock and simmer the mixture for 5 mins. Season it with herbs, salt, pepper and blend in cornstarch at the end. Garnish the soup with parmesan cheese. Sip in the soup as the cheese and buttery peas slip down your throat.
Fava Beans at: Wikipedia
