Fresh Fava Beans with Garlic Butter

Fresh Fava Beans with Garlic Butter

Sure to be a Fava-rite!

Fava beans, otherwise known as broad beans, are one of the oldest cultivated members of the legume family.  The furry pods carry the large “pea” which are harvested through late spring into the fall. High in fiber, plant protein and essential vitamins and minerals, these beans are a novelty through the summer months and deserve to make their way on to your plate! This recipe will describe how to process the beans out of their shells, ready for any use, then to prepare them in a simple garlic butter sauté!

  • Gluten free
  • Dairy free optional (replace with vegan butter)
  • Refined sugar free
  • Nut free
  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan optional (use vegan butter)
  • Cleanse program friendly

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds fresh fava beans in pods (will yield about 1 1/2 – 2 cups beans)
  • 1 tbsp butter (use vegan butter for vegan or dairy free)
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  • Begin by removing beans from pods by stripping down the seam line, cracking the shell and pushing the beans out with your fingers. 
  • Once your beans are collected, bring a large enough pot to hold the beans to a boil. Drop the beans in the water to blanch for 2.5 – 3 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and transfer beans to a strainer and run under cold water for a couple of minutes.
  • Let beans cool long enough to handle.
  • With your thumb nail, clip the outer layer of the now blanched bean for a small tear, then squeeze the bean out of its skin.
  • Once you have completed this step, melt the butter and olive oil in a fry pan on medium heat.
  • Add minced garlic and sauté about a minute.
  • Add fava beans to the pan and cook about 5 minutes longer.
  • Season with salt and pepper and serve as a side dish.

Note: You can add fava beans to soups, stews, salads and also make bean dip with them. Once you know how to process them out of their pods, experiment with other recipes!

Enjoy fresh seasonal cooking? You may also like:

Garlic Scape and Basil Pesto

Kale hater Saute

Simple Vanilla Green Beans

Simple Sauteed Asparagus with Balsamic Vinegar

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Inner Vision Health and Wellness Karyn Lawson RMT INHC