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Fava beans with tomatoes is such a simple dish and so very easy to make, I bet it will become your favorite “go-to” fava recipe!
If you are not familiar with fava beans (or broad beans in the UK), let me introduce you to a simple recipe.
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I think the book and movie, Silence of the Lambs, probably did more for the popularity of fava beans than anything else in the last century!
(As an aside, Sir Anthony Hopkins is one of my favorite actors, and I have a note that he wrote to me and signed when my husband worked with him the first time! Eeeek!)
Back to fava beans (without liver and Chianti)! Fava beans were one of the staple foods of the Romans, so they have been around for a very long time, but you can never imagine just how long! (See below.)
What are Fava Beans (Broad Beans)?
Fava beans are legumes and are rather large when fully grown. The pods are much thicker than pea pods and the beans themselves have a thick coating which should be removed if they are really mature (because they can be tough). You can read more about the super interesting history of fava beans, including the fact that they’ve been cultivated since 6000 BC!
What’s an Easy Recipe for Fava Beans?
Do you remember me writing about cucina povera recipes? Or more recently, Stanley Tucci discussed it on his Searching for Italy Series on CNN. Well, this would fall into the category of “poor cooking” or peasant food.
Only a handful of really fresh, good quality ingredients are needed, and become a delicious dish.
You may also enjoy this Italian green bean recipe.
This fava bean recipe can be made to serve as a side dish, but you can also have a larger serving with some crusty bread as a light vegan lunch.
Fava Beans with Tomatoes (Easy Italian Recipe)
Family recipe from Nonna Chiarina serves 4 as a side
FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW
Step by Step Directions
Sauté the onion in the olive oil over medium high heat, adding a pinch of salt.
Once the onions are translucent and starting to brown a little, add the shelled (and peeled, if they are older) fava/broad beans.
Lower the heat to medium, stir, and partially cover for about 3 to 4 minutes
Put the heat back to medium high and add the tomatoes, with more salt, and pepper if desired.
Note: using good quality tomatoes will make this dish.
Stir and cook for another 4 or 5 minutes, uncovered, or until the fava beans are ready. Taste for seasoning and add as needed.
Remove from heat and serve hot, preferably with some fresh, crusty bread. Perfect as a vegan main dish or as a side, too.
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Another easy legume recipe: black eyed peas!
Fava Beans with Tomatoes (Easy Italian Recipe)
Yield: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
A quick and easy Italian fava bean/broad bean dish that can be served as a vegan main, or side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 or 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 250 g or 2 cups fresh, or frozen, shelled fava beans
- 225 g or 8 oz cherry or chopped tomatoes, canned or fresh
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté the onion in the olive oil over medium high heat, adding a pinch of salt.
- Once the onions are translucent and starting to brown a little, add the shelled (and peeled, if they are older) fava/broad beans.
- Lower the heat to medium, stir, and partially cover for about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Put the heat back to medium high and add the tomatoes, with more salt, and pepper if desired.
- Stir and cook for another 4 or 5 minutes, uncovered, or until the fava beans are ready. Taste for seasoning and add as needed.
- Remove from heat and serve hot, preferably with some fresh, crusty bread. Perfect as a vegan main dish or as a side, too.
Notes
- Be sure to use good quality tomatoes for this dish.
- If your fava beans are larger, more mature and touch, peel the outer coating on the bean. Otherwise, cook as they are, after shelling.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 150Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1026mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 5gSugar: 4gProtein: 6g
Nutrition information is only estimated.
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