Our farmers market is opened year around on weekends. In middle of the week, my nearest medical center/hospital invite the local farmers to sell their fresh produce in their lobby. Probably a right target place, something that makes sense in terms of health! You visit the doctor-come out and cannot miss the fruit and vegetable shopping. The farmers even gives a recipe ideas if you inquire about any new veggies. In such an occasion, I came home with this unknown Fava bean.
Fava beans known as Broad beans for Brits, are in bright green hue, nutty, buttery and leave a slightly bitter after taste when eaten raw. It is a spring time treat, available only for few weeks. I didn't know it was a labor intense work to shell the beans until I searched for a soup idea. The farmer didn't disclose the fun part to me. It is quiet weird to know Fava beans have to be peeled twice:shelled, blanched and peeled again. So be ready to shell twice the bean. I ended up pretty much little less than 3/4 cup of shiny beans for the 2 pounds in pods. I have no idea why it is shelled twice- mine was quiet young beans, I peeled twice just few beans without blanching and loss patience for the rest. I cooked the beans along with potatoes and made a soup.
Inspired by this South American soup I have made this Locrode habas or fava bean soup, changed according my need and made it without egg. Keep ready some bread to soak this thick creamy stew.
Ingredients Potatoes: 2 medium Twice peeled Fava beans*: 3/4 cups Garlic: 3 pods- peeled minced Onion: 1 medium- diced tomato: medium- diced Cumin powder: 1/2 tsp Chili powder: 1/2 tsp Salt: to taste Olive Oil: 1 tsp Water or stock: 2 cups To flavor: Fresh cilantro How to peel and eat the Fava Beans? Peel the beans from the pod (as you would do for the fresh peas). Personally I would cook the beans right away without peeling again. If you want to toss the beans in salad and snack right away or even Fava Fanatic! Peel the waxy covering of the bean using a sharp knife or even with the help of your nails. Or, blanch it: Boil enough water with salt - cook the beans for 2 to 3 minutes and remove , drain and transfer in cold water. By simply squeezing the beans will pop out of the waxy covering. Now you are ready to use it. Method for the soup: Heat a big soup pot with oil. fry the onion, once it turns translucent add the garlic, followed by potatoes, tomatoes and spices. Add the water or stock, cover the pot and simmer until the potato are cooked. I did this part in my pressure cooker and left until 2 whistles. Once the potato are cooked slightly mashed them and add the fresh fava beans. Cook until they are tender. Just few minutes is enough when they are twice peeled.Adjust the salt and add the chopped cilantro leaves. Serve hot with some bread slices on side. |
Are you inspired by these beans process? I AM NOT ( I can even scream loud) - I would rather use the dried version or even the frozen lima beans.
Comments
Maha
Tasty Appetite
Dish Name Starts With L
Learning-to-cook
Regards,
Akila
Should look out for these when i go nex time for shopping.
We have a farmers market twice a week and I have not been there for a while.