Fresh Stories Detail

In season late winter to spring fresh broad beans, also known as fava beans, are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in a variety of delicious ways.

Here are 9 fresh and EZY ideas to help you get creative with broad beans.

1. Broad Bean Hummus: Make a creamy hummus by blending cooked and peeled broad beans with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Serve it as a dip or spread.

2. Broad Bean Salad: Toss blanched and peeled broad beans with cherry tomatoes, red onions, feta cheese, fresh herbs, and a simple vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.

3. Broad Bean Mash: Mash cooked broad beans with butter, garlic, and a touch of cream. Season with salt and pepper, and serve it as a side dish, similar to mashed potatoes.

4. Broad Bean Crostini: Spread broad bean puree on toasted baguette slices and top with crumbled goat cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for a tasty appetiser.

5. Broad Bean Risotto: Stir cooked and peeled broad beans into a creamy risotto during the last few minutes of cooking for added texture and flavour.

6. Broad Bean and Bacon Pasta: Toss cooked broad beans with cooked pasta, crispy bacon bits, grated Parmesan cheese, and a garlic-infused olive oil.

7. Broad Bean and Pesto Crostini: Spread pesto on toasted bread slices and top with blanched broad beans and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.

8. Broad Bean and Tomato Bruschetta: Combine blanched broad beans with diced tomatoes, red onion, garlic, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Serve this mixture on toasted baguette slices for a bruschetta with a twist.

9. Stir-Fried Broad Beans: Quickly stir-fry blanched and peeled broad beans with garlic, ginger, and a splash of soy sauce for a simple and flavourful side dish.

Remember to shell broad beans and blanch beans in boiling water for a minute or two and then immediately transfer them to ice water to make peeling easier. Enjoy your broad bean creations in various dishes to savour their nutty flavour and unique texture.