How To Cook Fava Beans

By Carl Hill


The plant called fava is a great source of various minerals, for example magnesium and potassium, as well as fiber, proteins and B vitamins. The taste is really interesting, and it is also possible to buy a flour made of it. They have to be cooked first, in order of using them in your favorite recipes, and you first have to learn how to cook fava beans.

Freshly picked beans carry four to five lovely, bright green beans. You should pull them out first, put them into a large pot, cover with enough water and boil for up to sixty seconds. Quickly drain them and place them in a bowl filled with ice-cold water.

They have waxy and hard shell that has to be peeled of first. It looks like it will take a lot of time, but it is actually quite easy and the shell will simply fall of under your fingers. Shiny and lovely green, once peeled they will find place in various salads and other dishes, and can also be additionally cooked or steamed to become softer.

Dried fava is brown, and comes in small and large variation. Both need to be prepared and peeled first. Soaking them in a large quantity of water overnight or longer, up to 24 hours, is for the best. After that, when they double their volume, drain and rinse them. It's always for the best to peel them, even if some people say that small ones don't have to be peeled.

In some occasions you might not have enough time to let them soak overnight, but there is one much faster method you can use. Cook them for several minutes and let them soak for an hour in one covered large pot. It is important to provide enough water, because they will increase their volume considerably. Now it's time to peel them all.

Once peeled, cook them in a pot of fresh, salted water until soft, but not mushy. It usually takes for about 45 to 50 minutes, depending on their size. They should only simmer. Once cooked, you can use them in various recipes. They can also replace chick beans in some recipes, or a part of some other ingredients you would normally use.

Fresh, green ones can be used on several interesting ways. With the addition of a garlic, lemon and olive oil they can be used as a delicious spread for your bruschetta, for example. They could become an interesting addition to your side dish or salad. They can also be bought already peeled and frozen, as well as in cans.

In any case, keep green ones in the freezer, and dried ones stored in some box. It might be a good idea to prepare and peel them at once, and to freeze and store them frozen. This way you will always have them ready for making nice and tasty recipes when you want to surprise your guests with something new and delicious.




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