Stewed Fava Beans
A vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish that highlights the earthy, buttery sweetness of tender fava beans simmered in a fragrant garlic and herb sauce.
Ingredients
- •2 lbs (900g) fresh fava beans, shelled (or 16oz frozen, thawed)
- •3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- •4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- •1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- •1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
- •1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- •1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- •1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- •1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- •1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- 1
If using fresh fava beans, blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and peel off the tough outer skin to reveal the bright green inner bean.
- 2
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wide saucepan over medium heat.
- 3
Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent, then add the sliced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the prepared fava beans to the pan and stir to coat them in the aromatic oil.
- 5
Pour in the vegetable broth, cover the pan, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the beans are tender but still hold their shape.
- 6
Remove the lid, stir in the fresh dill, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- 7
Cook for an additional 2 minutes uncovered to allow the sauce to slightly thicken and coat the beans.
- 8
Serve warm or at room temperature as a nutritious side dish.
💡 Chef tips
- If you cannot find fresh fava beans, frozen ones are an excellent time-saver and are often pre-peeled, making the process much faster.
- For a heartier meal, you can stir in a spoonful of tahini at the end to create a creamy, nutty sauce that pairs beautifully with the beans.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish should feature bright green, tender beans glistening in a light, garlicky herb sauce that smells fresh and tastes savory with a bright, citrusy finish.