The first time I tasted fava beans was in a bustling market in Italy, where the rich aroma of fresh herbs and vibrant produce enveloped me. I watched as a vendor effortlessly opened the pods, revealing the beautiful emerald green beans nestled inside. Inspired by that moment, I decided to create a salad that would capture the essence of that sunny day, celebrating the delicate flavor of fava beans paired with zesty citrus and refreshing mint.
Ingredients
300g fresh fava beans (or peeled frozen fava beans)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small red onion, finely diced
1 cucumber, diced
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Juice and zest of 1 orange
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: Microgreens for garnish
Instructions
Begin by preparing the fava beans. If using fresh beans, remove them from their pods and blanch them in boiling salted water for about two minutes. Once bright green, transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. For frozen beans, simply thaw them according to the package instructions.
Next, carefully peel the outer skin of the fava beans to reveal their tender inner beans. This step is essential for achieving a smooth texture in your salad.
In a large bowl, combine the blanched fava beans, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and cucumber. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
To prepare the citrus vinaigrette, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl. Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pour the citrus vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Add the fresh mint and crumbled feta cheese, giving the salad one last gentle mix.
For an elegant touch, serve the salad on a large platter, garnished with microgreens if desired. This vibrant Fava Bean & Mint Salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful medley of flavors that transports you straight to the sun-kissed markets of Italy.
Enjoy this dish warm or chilled, and let the unique combination of ingredients bring a taste of adventure to your dining table!