Fava Beans And Pancetta Recipes

FAVA BEANS WITH PANCETTA

Steps:

• Soak the fava beans overnight in water.
• Put beans in a pot with fresh water, with the cloves of garlic, bay leaves, and salt to taste, and bring to a boil.
• When beans are at a full boil, reduce the heat, partially cover, and allow to simmer for 1 to 1-1/2 hours. You will know they are done with they are smooth and tender to the bite. This will take a while, so now would be a good time to start making your main dish.
• When the beans are done, transfer them to a platter to allow them to cool and dry.
• Heat the oil in a fry pan until it is smoking hot, and add the Pancetta (italian bacon) and the sage leaves.
• While the Pancetta is cooking, dredge the beans in the flour, they should be relatively well-coated.
• When the Pancetta is done, leave it in the pan add the beans to the oil a little at a time, forming a single layer on the bottom of the pan. As they fry and become crunchy, remove them to a serving dish. Keep adding the beans until all the beans are fried, then top with the Pancetta and sage leaves.

SAUTé OF FRESH FAVA BEANS, ONIONS, AND FENNEL

Steps:

• Cook fava beans in boiling salted water 2 minutes. Drain, cool and peel outer skins (do not cook or peel lima beans).
• Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and fennel bulb; sauté 5 minutes. Add favas or lima beans and fennel seeds; sauté 3 minutes. Add 1 cup broth and 2 tablespoons dill; bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes to blend flavors. Stir in pancetta and savory, adding more broth if mixture is dry. Simmer until favas are tender, about 15 minutes longer. Mix in lemon juice and 2 tablespoons dill. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before serving.)
• Pancetta, Italian bacon cured in salt, is available at Italian markets, some supermarkets, and some specialty foods stores.