Easy Fava Bean Salad Recipes

FAVA BEAN FENNEL SALAD WITH PARMESAN

Steps:

• Shell the fava beans outer pod: Fava beans need to be shelled twice, first before cooking to remove the outer pod, then after cooking, to remove the tough membrane around the bean. To remove the outer pod, work over a large bowl and squeeze the bean with your fingers, bending the pod so that when it snaps, the bean inside shoots out into the bowl. Remove all the beans from their pods.
• Boil the beans: Add the beans to 2 quarts of boiling, salted water. Simmer the beans for a few minutes, until just tender.

WARM FAVA BEAN & PEA SALAD

Steps:

• For fresh fava beans, add beans to a large pot of boiling water; return to a boil. Cook, uncovered, until tender, 4-5 minutes. Using a strainer, remove beans to a bowl of ice water to cool. Drain cooled beans; squeeze gently to remove skins. (If using frozen fava beans, prepare according to package directions.), For fresh peas, add peas to boiling water; return to a boil. Cook, uncovered, just until tender, 2-4 minutes. Drain well; place in a large bowl. (If using frozen peas, cook according to package directions.), In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add pancetta; cook and stir until crisp, about 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels, reserving drippings., In same pan, heat remaining oil and reserved drippings over medium heat. Add shallots; cook and stir until tender and lightly browned, 5-6 minutes. Stir in fava beans and heat through. Add to peas; stir in salt, pepper and pancetta. Serve warm.

FAVA BEAN SALAD WITH LEMON VINAIGRETTE AND SHAVED MANCHEGO CHEESE

Steps:

• Fill a bowl with ice and water. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fava beans and cook until just tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and shock in ice water. Drain again and remove outer skins. Place the beans in a medium serving bowl. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, garlic and olive oil and whisk until blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the mixture over the beans and mix well. Add the cheese, sprinkle with the parsley and serve.

FAVA BEAN SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread almonds on a small baking sheet. Bake until golden brown and fragrant, about 8 minutes. Let stand until cool. Very coarsely chop; set aside.
• Heat broiler. Arrange bread on baking sheet. Brush lightly with oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Broil until just beginning to brown on the edges, about 1 minute per side. Remove from broiler; set aside.
• Prepare an ice-water bath; set aside. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add fava beans, and blanch for 2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to ice bath until cool. Pop out of skin.
• In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Add almonds, fava beans, cheese, and mint. Stir to combine. Taste, and adjust for seasoning.
• Place a pile of fennel on each of four plates, top with one quarter of the fava-bean salad. Serve with 3 slices of toast.

FAVA BEAN AND ASPARAGUS SALAD

Steps:

• Blanch and skin the fava beans and place them in a bowl. Use the blanching water to blanch the asparagus, or steam the asparagus if you prefer. If blanching, bring the water in the pot to a boil, salt generously and add the asparagus spears. Blanch 1 to 4 minutes, depending on how thick the asparagus is; fat spears (recommended) will take up to 4 minutes, but thin ones are ready in 1 minute. You can steam the asparagus over 1 inch boiling water for the same amount of time if you prefer. Transfer the lightly cooked asparagus to a bowl of cold water, then drain and dry on paper towels. Cut into 1-inch lengths. Add to the bowl with the fava beans. Add the herbs, and the chickpeas if using.
• Combine the lemon zest and juice, vinegar, garlic or shallots, and salt to taste in a bowl. Whisk in the oil and yogurt. Toss with the favas and asparagus. Add the shaved Parmesan, toss again and serve, or allow to marinate for 30 minutes, then serve.

FAVA BEAN SALAD

Steps:

• Toss all ingredients and marinate overnight at room temperature or for 2 days in the refrigerator