From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/6
Instructions
1
Pull back on the tip of the pod, and “unzip” it, opening the pod and removing the beans. Alternately, you can use the tip of a paring knife to gently open the pod along the seam, being careful not to cut the beans. You will have roughly one cup of fava beans after shelling.
2
Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to a boil, and fill a small bowl with ice water and set aside. Add about a teaspoon of salt to the water, and add the fava beans. Turn down the heat and simmer at a gentle boil for 1 minute. Drain immediately and pour the beans into the ice water to stop the cooking process.
3
Drain the beans and gently squeeze from the waxy outer skin. The bean are now ready for your pastas, soups, salads, and purees!
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Ice Bath Technique for Skin Removal ❄️Blanch shelled fava beans for 2-3 minutes, then immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking and loosen the waxy outer skin, making it slip off effortlessly with your fingers.
- Batch Blanching for Even Cooking 🫕Don't overcrowd the pot when blanching—work in small batches so beans cook uniformly and quickly, preventing mushy texture while ensuring tender, creamy results.
- Salt Water for Enhanced Flavor 🧂Cook fava beans in well-seasoned salted water (similar to pasta water salinity) rather than plain water to build flavor directly into the beans from the start.
- Timing is Critical for Creaminess ⏱️Cook skinned fava beans for only 3-5 minutes maximum—they continue cooking from residual heat, and overcooking destroys their signature delicate, creamy texture that makes them special.
- Finish with Quality Fat and Fresh Herbs 🌿Toss warm fava beans with premium olive oil, fresh mint, or basil, and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten their subtle sweetness and elevate them from simple to sophisticated.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
High Protein
Low-Cholesterol
Low Fat
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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