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Basics
may 8, 2020

Fava Bean Basics

Fava beans, also called broad beans (not to be confused with lima beans), are one of our favorites. They have a delicate, earthy taste and creamy texture, enhancing all variety of spring and summer dishes with their vibrant green.
The mighty fava has a compelling history stretching at least as far back as ancient Egypt. In the 6th century B.C., their consumption was prohibited due to a—false—feared poisonous effect touted by none other than the Greek philosopher Pythagoras (yes, the triangle guy! and fava villain!). More recently, fava beans have surged in popularity in the U.S., where they are frequently highlighted on restaurant menus and adored by home cooks from around the globe.
Whether you run into favas at the farmers market, in your CSA box, or on the produce aisle, relish them while you can! We’ve tossed them above with shaved zucchini ribbons, greens and crumbled feta, all gussied up with edible flowers for your Summer table. Read on for an easy guide to shelling and serving these beautiful beans.
Keep in touch, and show us your creations with #TCKatHome, or email us with any questions or feedback. We love hearing from you!

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Recipe

Fava Bean Basics

Author the Civic Kitchen

Tender fresh favas have a bright green flavor that murmurs irresistibly of Spring. They also have a reputation for finicky preparation - all that de-shelling & peeling (twice)! Harold McGee's genius idea of adding baking soda to the blanching water makes for quicker fava prep - the alkaline soda helps the beans to pop right out of their skins.

Adapted from: Fava bean peeling improvements from food scientist Harold McGee
Yield   2 lbs fava pods yield about 1 cup of peeled beans

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Ingredients

Basic Fresh Fava Beans

2 pounds fresh fava pods

1 tablespoon baking soda

Crushed Favas with Mint & Lemon

1 cup peeled favas (from about 2 lbs fava pods)

⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon chopped spearmint leaves

Juice of ½ lemon

Kosher or sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Basic Fresh Fava Beans:
Prepare a bowl of ice water. Bring a medium pot of water to a vigorous boil while you remove the fava beans from their pods.
Add a tablespoon of baking soda to the pot, then blanch the beans for 2-5 minutes (depending on their size). Fish them out as their skins pop so they don't absorb the soapy taste of the soda, and drop them into the ice water. When tender,—taste one!—remove any remaining skin-on beans from the pot to the ice water. Peel by gently squeezing the thick end of the bean, if necessary nicking the thin end with your thumbnail.
Toss the beans into salads, pasta or risotto, or use them make Crushed Favas:
Crushed Favas with Mint & Lemon
Pulse the favas, olive oil, mint and lemon juice in a food processor along with ½ teaspoon salt and a few grindings of black pepper. Stop when you reach a nice chunky, spreadable consistency - you don't want this as smooth as hummus. Taste and adjust the balance of ingredients to suit your palate. No food processor? No problem. Mash the ingredients by hand with a pastry blender or large sturdy fork.
Servings suggestions:
- Toss with cooked pasta, tiny-cubed Pecorino cheese, and a few mint leaves
- Serve as a dip for crudités or pita bread
- Put on a cheese platter for a vibrant pop of green
- Spread on crostini as a verdant backdrop for shaved radishes or a pretty pink shrimp

The Civic Kitchen
2961 Mission Street
San Francisco
CA 94110
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