Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Mark Bittman's Mashed Fava Beans -- Vegan Tuesday

I wanted to make something simple and portable for dinner--something to eat by the pool. I'd already cooked the fava beans the night before, so it just took a few minutes to run them through the food processor and cut up some bread and carrots. Easy!

I love fresh fava beans best, but I couldn't find any at the local stores. This dish is similar to hummus, but much more mildly flavored. I really like it as is, but sometimes I'll add some feta cheese and some diced greek olives. Roasted garlic is another yummy addition. Anyway, last night was all about simple, and getting into the pool as soon as possible.

Mashed Favas
8 ounces of dried fava beans, soaked overnight
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
salt and pepper
olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest for garnish

Put the beans in a large pot with water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat, then turn the heat down so the beans simmer steadily but not violently; cover loosely. When the beans begin to soften, after about 30 minutes, add the onion, carrot, celery, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the beans are very soft, about 1 hour; add water if necessary.

When the fava beans are done, drain them. Mash them by hand or with a potato ricer, or food processor. Taste and adjust the seasonings. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, and top with lemon zest.

Please check-out Wendy's delicious vegan pasta dish at her blog Pink Stripes. http://pinkstripes.wordpress.com/2009/06/24/pasta-della-california/


9 comments:

  1. i actually have a bag of dried fava beans from bob's red mill at home too, but i never plan far ahead enough to soak them overnight. maybe i will now, because this looks so good! thanks for the recipe.
    we've passed on an award for you, come by our blog if you want to see it.

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  2. Is that Dave diving into your pool? The water is so blue, it is beautiful.

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  3. Thanks twins! I really like your blog and am looking forward to my award!

    Sandy- It is Dave from a couple weeks ago.

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  4. YUM! This sounds delicous. I'll have to try it.

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  5. I didn't realise broad beans and fava beans were the same, until I started reading your blog.

    This recipe does look good, nice chance from traditional hummus.

    Nice pool shot, so bluuuue.

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  6. What a perfect meal for a poolside dip, Michele. I am going to have to pick up some dried favas real soon.

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  7. as a bona fide bean lover, i'm pretty excited by this simple recipe. that bittman knows his stuff, and so does bob of bob's red mill. lovely. :)

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  8. Thank you for all the sweet comments!

    The water is so blue because that is the color of the inside plaster. Unfortunately, our pool now needs to be replastered before next summer.

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  9. I have yet to try fava beans, but this sounds quite good. May have to take the plunge!

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