Raw Fava Beans with Olive Oil & Pepato

Young fava beans in their long, plump, furry pods are one of the delights of spring, and they’ve become much more common recently.

Freshly blanched and peeled Favas Fresh favas, blanched and peeled

Start looking for them in March at farmers markets. As the season progresses, the beans mature and their outer skin grows tougher. As long as the bean inside is tender and not mealy or crunch, they’re good.

Some people lack a certain enzyme and cannot digest raw favas.  The condition is hereditary and occurs in individuals of Mediterranean ancestry.

  • Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound soppressata, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup very young, small, and tender fava beans (from about 2 pounds of beans in their pods), peeled and skinned
  • 3 ounces Bellwether Pepato, very thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, such as DaVero Estate
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper in a mill

Directions

  1. Arrange the soppressata around the outer rim of a serving plate.

  2. In a medium bowl, toss together the favas, Pepato, and olive oil.

  3. Season with salt and pepper and place in the center of the serving plate. Enjoy right away.

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