Fave alla Mamma Rosa | Stewed Fava Beans Recipe

Fava beans are one of our favorite vegetables, and this simple recipe is our favorite way to cook and eat them. This is a great example of how this unique legume needs very few additional ingredients to turn into a delicious dish: just olive oil, onion, salt and water!

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Fave alla Mamma Rosa Recipe

Makes: 4 servings

Cook Time: 45 minutes

For this recipe, you will need:

• About 3 ⅓ pounds (1.5 kilograms) fresh fava beans in their pods, or 20 ounces (550 grams) if already shelled
• Extra-virgin olive oil, as needed
• 1 large onion, sliced
• Salt

Begin by removing the fava beans from their pods. You don’t need to remove the skin around each bean, just the pod. The pods can be discarded, but it’s worth noting that Italians are known to batter and fry them. Waste not, want not!

Add enough olive oil to a medium pot to fully coat the bottom. Add the onion and sauté over medium heat until they are tender, then add the beans and sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle the fava beans generously with salt.

Add enough warm water to barely cover the fava beans. Bring to a simmer, partially cover the pot, and cook until the beans are tender—about 30 to 35 minutes. As the fava beans cook, add water as needed to keep them all covered. Taste and adjust the salt as needed before serving warm.

Buon appetito!