Fava beans with mint

Fava beans with mint are a light and tasty side dish that encapsulates the flavors of the Mediterranean spring. Here is the Italian recipe for preparing delicious fava beans with mint:

Ingredients

• 500 g of shelled fresh fava beans
• A bunch of fresh mint
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste (optional)
• Pecorino Romano or other aged cheese in flakes (optional)

Preparation

1. Start by washing the fava beans under running water and shell them if necessary.
2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and immerse the fava beans. Cook for about 5-8 minutes or until they become tender.
3. In the meantime, wash the mint leaves and chop them finely.
4. Drain the fava beans and quickly rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and maintain a bright green color.
5. In a bowl, season the fava beans with extra virgin olive oil, chopped mint, salt, and pepper to taste. Gently mix to combine the ingredients.
6. If you prefer to add an extra touch, you can garnish the dish with flakes of Pecorino Romano (or another aged cheese of your liking) to add a contrast of flavors.

Curiosity

Fava beans with mint are a typical dish of Roman and Lazio cuisine, where mint (in the local nepitella variety) and fava beans are often found together in numerous spring preparations, especially during the Easter period. In many areas, it is traditional to consume fresh fava beans on the first of May.