Azorean Dried Fava Beans Recipes

HILDA'S FAVAS

Steps:

• In a large heavy saucepan bring 3 quarts water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and add the favas and 2 teaspoons of the salt. Cover and simmer until the beans are tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Drain in a colander and set aside until ready to use.
• In a heavy large saucepan heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bay leaves, crushed red pepper flakes, and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and heat for 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Add the onions and bell peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the parsley and garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the tomato paste and 7 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until slightly thickened, about 30 minutes.
• Add the fava beans and continue simmering until the beans are tender, about 1 hour. Toss with andouille or chorizo. Serve immediately, or cool, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

CARAMELIZED ONIONS & FAVA BEANS (BROAD BEANS)

Steps:

• If you are using fresh- shell the beans, add to boiling water, cook for apprx 10 minutes, dash into cold water and remove outer membrane from each bean.
• If you are using frozen ensure they are cooked.
• Canned are ready as is.
• Heat the oil& Butter in a skillet add onions and garlic saute over medium heat until the onions are golden brown apprx 20 minutes.
• Add Fava beans, cook until heated through.
• Place beans& Onions in an oven proof dish.
• Sprinkle with cheese and broil until cheese is golden.
• You may make this dish ahead up to where you add the beans to the onions, place beans and onions in casserole dish, sprinkle with cheese and 25 minutes before serving pop into a 350F oven, broil for last few minutes to brown the cheese.

BESSARA (DRIED FAVA BEAN SOUP)

Steps:

• Soak the beans in water for 2 hours, drain and put in a pot with 2 quarts of cold water. Bring to a boil, skim and simmer, covered, for 2 hours, until the beans are very soft. Add the salt and mash the beans by hand or, for a smoother texture, puree in a blender and return to the pot.
• Fry the garlic in 2 tablespoons of the olive oil until golden, about 3 minutes. Add the paprika, cumin, turmeric and cayenne. Add to the soup and simmer for 30 minutes longer, adding water if the soup becomes too thick. Just before serving, stir in the lemon juice and the coriander. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

AZOREAN DRIED FAVA BEANS

Steps:

• 1. In a large bowl soak 1 bag of dried Fava beans over night in water. You will need enough water to cover the beans by more than a half inch.
• 2. The next morning you can see that the beans have split apart. If some have not done so, go ahead and pull them apart yourself. Now rinse them and lay them on a kitchen towel to dry.
• 3. Heat 2/3 of a cup of vegetable oil or olive oil in a large pan. Add 1/2 cup of the halved beans at a time to the oil. When fava beans begin to brown, remove them with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels to catch the excess oil. Do this with the remaining fava beans.
• 4. When all the fava beans have been cooked, lightly sprinkle with salt, garlic powder and cayenne pepper or your favorite seasonings.
• 5. The beans will become crispy when they cool. Enjoy!