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Spring is the time to start looking for Fava Beans and Fresh Peas!
There are so many wonderful foods that will begin to be available now that we have entered Springtime. Two wonderful foods are fresh fava beans and fresh english peas. Both are early season crops and although they may be more work than some other vegetables, they are sooo worth the effort. They are healthy choices and in addition to being delicious foods on their own with simple seasonings, they make great additions to almost anything you can imagine.
Fava beans are high in fiber and iron, and low in sodium and fat. In one cup of beans, you'll get 13g protein, a low .7g total fat (sat fat .1g), 61mg calcium, 73mg magnesium, 456mg potassium, carb 33g and fiber 9g.
In one-half cup of english peas (fresh peas or garden peas) with a low 62 calories you'll get 4 grams of protein, 11 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, .2g of fat, 19mg calcium, 134 mg potassium and 23mg magnesium.
Preparing Fava beans can be time consuming because not only do you have to remove them from the pod, but the outer skin of the bean is somewhat tough so it is ideally removed as well. It is a simple process, but takes a bit of time and the handling of each bean. If you prefer, you can substitute frozen lima beans for fava beans. A reasonable guide to purchasing fava beans for a recipes is to presume from 1 lb fava beans in pod you will get approximately 3/4 cup fava beans.
To prepare Fava beans Split open the pods and remove all the beans. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and drop in the beans. Boil for about 3 minutes, then remove to a bowl of cold water with ice. When beans have cooled enough to handle, using a paring knife or your thumbnail, split the outer skin at one end and press from the other end to pop out the fava bean.
Fava beans are often combined with specific flavors. You will frequently find recipes for favas with artichokes, lamb, parsley, lemon or prosciutto. Here are some ways I like to use them. Of course, you can also just cook them and smash them with your favorite herbs and spread them on toast. Or mash with milk and butter or broth and olive oil as an alternative to mashed potatoes.
To prepare english peas, simply remove them from the pods. Of course you can just boil them for a few minutes, but they can be livened up with several additions as well as being a wonderful addition to many spring time dishes.
Aside from eating peas fresh from the pods, here are a few ideas; some traditional, some more contemporary.
The absolutely best early spring dessert is my mom's Rhubarb Cobbler. I recommend it highly to follow any meal using dishes above.
Enjoy your spring!
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