Roman-Style Fava Beans
- 20m Prep Time
- 20m Cook Time
- 40m Ready In
A classic Roman side dish of tender fava beans simmered with onion, optional bacon or pancetta, and red pepper flakes, finished with parsley and lemon juice.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds fava bean pods or one 14-ounce package frozen fava or lima beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- (2 slices bacon or pancetta, diced)
- (½ teaspoon red pepper flakes)
- ¾ cup chicken stock or broth or water
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Let's Prepare
Collect
Gather these ingredients — no prep needed yet.
- 3 pounds fava bean pods or one 14-ounce package frozen fava or lima beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- (2 slices bacon or pancetta, diced)
- (½ teaspoon red pepper flakes)
- ¾ cup chicken stock or broth or water
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Let's Cook
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Step 1.
Shell and peel, or have ready: 3 pounds fava bean pods or one 14-ounce package frozen fava or lima beans
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Step 2.
You should have about 2 cups. Heat in a large skillet over medium heat: 2 tablespoons olive oil
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Step 3.
Add and cook, stirring, until softened, about 4 minutes: ½ small onion, finely chopped; (2 slices bacon or pancetta, diced); (½ teaspoon red pepper flakes)
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Step 4.
Add the beans along with: ¾ cup chicken stock or broth or water
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Step 5.
Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender, 10 to 20 minutes depending on the age and size of the beans. By the time the beans are done, the liquid should be reduced to just a little sauce to coat them. If necessary, reduce the liquid over high heat. Before serving, stir in: 1 tablespoon chopped parsley; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and black pepper to taste