Fava bean is becoming increasingly popular in the farmers markets and home gardens. The bean is delicious and offers fresh and nutty flavor. The beans grow to about 6-8 inches in length and have fuzzy interior. Each bean is covered with the skin that is inedible. Before using the beans, remember to remove the beans from the pods. The skin of the beans has to be peeled as well. The fava beans are just like spinach i.e. though they seem to be in huge quantities, they reduce to a small amount when cooked. If you do not know how to prepare dishes using the beans, here is a guide on how to cook fava beans.
Complexity Level: Basic
Time Required: 15-20 minutes
Resources Required:
- Fava beans
- Colander
- Knife
- Water
- Bowl
- Olive oil ¼ cup
- Lemon juice ¼ cup
- Parsley, Cheese
- Salt, pepper
Instructions:
1. Choose the right kind of pods
If you are buying the pods from the market or harvesting them from your home garden ensure that you choose firm and bright green pods. Squeeze each pod a little. If you are able to feel the beans then it is good. If the pods are a bit shriveled or yellow avoid using them. Such beans may have a starchy and poor flavor. There will be about three to seven beans in each pod.
2. Separate the beans
In order to shuck the beans, break one end of the pod with your hands or use a knife. Then use your thumb and pry it open. Pop all the beans you remove into a bowl. The pods can be thrown away or deposited into your compost pile.
3. Boil the beans
Before cooking you have to peel the beans. The best way is to par boil them. Take a large pot of water and bring it to boil. Add the shucked beans to the water and cook till they become bright green. It may take about 60-90 seconds. Remove the pot when the beans are ready and drain the beans using a colander. To stop them from further cooking, run the beans under water.
4. Peel the beans
After cooling the beans, you have to peel the skin from each bean. On one side of the bean you can see a seam like thing. Slit it at one end and then squeeze the bean out into a bowl. Discard the skin you get. After peeling the beans you can use them to make any kind of recipe.
5. Make the fresh salad
Take the cooked beans in a bowl. Add lemon juice, olive oil and garlic. Blend well along with pepper and salt to taste. Sprinkle cheese and parsley on the salad and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What goes well with broad beans?
A lot of meats can be used with the broad beans or fava beans like pork, lamb, bacon, ham, poultry, eggs and smoked sausage. They match well with lentils, peas and chickpeas also. To bring out the best flavor, try using them with parmesan, lemon, tarragon, parsley, cumin etc. Another good ingredient to use with it is fresh goat cheese.
2. What are the health benefits of fava beans?
Fava beans are very nutritious and have many nutrients required for the body. They include potassium, phosphorus, vitamin A, K, iron etc. Fava beans belong to the pea family and have a unique strong flavor.
3. Can you eat dried fava beans?
Fava beans can be consumed both fresh and dry. If you want to use the dried version, rehydrate them by soaking in water for some hours.
Quick Tips:
- For added flavor, you can include different kinds of herbs, spices and meat bones while cooking.
- You can also use the shelled beans for preparing stews and soups. When making stew, they get cooked along with other ingredients.
Things To Watch Out For:
- Do not use shriveled or yellow colored beans for cooking. They may have a starchy flavor.
- Remember to remove the skin before eating them raw or cooking.
