Home » Recipes » 20 Fava Bean Recipes (+ Produce Guide)
by Marcie //May 4, 2021 (updated 7/6/23)
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If you’ve ever wondered what to do with fava beans, look no further than this roundup of 20 delicious fava bean recipes! You’ll find recipes for salad, dips, pasta and more, along with an informative guide on how to grow fava beans, choosing and storing them, and nutrition information!
Summer is coming quickly, but I’m no where near ready to say good-bye to spring produce. I have many favorites, including asparagus, every variety of peas imaginable, leeks, rhubarb, radishes and of course, fava beans.
Before I went to cooking school years ago I’d never tried them. I’d seen them in the stores and at farmer’s markets, but I truly had no idea how to prep them or what to do with them.
I was blown away by the texture and flavor of these beans. They’re similar to peas but they’re much more delicate, and they’re even more nutritious.
I’ve grown them every year since I started my garden 5+ years ago, and they’re a staple in spring dishes such as salads, risotto, pasta and even dip when they’re in season.
They’re truly special and the epitome of spring!
If you love produce as much as I do, be sure to check out the following recipe round ups:
- Butternut squash recipes
- Carrot recipes
- Cranberry recipes
- Corn recipes
- Delicata squash recipes
- Kabocha squash recipes
- Leek recipes
- Fennel recipes
- Fig recipes
- Persimmon recipes
- Poblano pepper recipes
- Pomegranate recipes
- Radish recipes
- Rhubarb recipes
- Tomatillo recipes
- Shish*to pepper recipes
- Swiss chard recipes
FAQs
What are fava beans?
Fava beans are a species of flowering plant in the pea and bean family.The pods are very large with anywhere from 3-8 beans per pod.
Fava beans were widely cultivated in ancient civilizations and were a major food in the Mediterranean, especially for the Greeks and Romans.
The plants are very hardy and grow well even in harsh climates. The plants are often used as a cover crop to prevent erosion because they fix nitrogen in the soil. This makes them a great addition to your garden!
Fava beans are tender and delicate, much like peas, making them perfect for salads, spreads, pastas and so much more!
Do fava beans have another name?
Fava beans are also known as broad beans. The Italian word for “fava” means broad bean.
How to grow fava beans
Growing fava beans is very easy! I’ve grown them in my garden for years with great success. I plant the seeds in late September or October and harvest the beans from as early as March to mid-summer.
The seeds should be planted in full sun and in nutrient rich soil. I plant my seeds in the ground with a bit of plant food or garden mix about 1-2″ deep and about 6 inches apart. Cover the seeds completely and water thoroughly.
Fava bean plants grow from 2-5 feet tall, and need a trellis or some type of support. I have a fence that runs behind the plants, which I use to tie the plants up as they grow or clip them using garden clips. The plants may also be grown in raised beds, just make sure there is a trellis to provide support.
I water the plants about every other day for 10 minutes per day on a drip system. All in all, they’re very low maintenance plants!
Fava Beans should be harvested when the pods are about 6-8 inches long or about 1″ wide.
Fava bean nutrition
Fava beans are nutrient-dense powerhouses! They’re rich in vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, iron, potassium, copper, phosphorous and vitamin B1.
They provide a lean source of protein and contain no saturated fat or cholesterol. They’re also a great source of folate and dietary fiber.
Choosing and storing
When selecting fava beans, make sure the pods are heavy, bright green and free of bruising. The beans should be plump but not bulging.
The beans should be stored in the pod in a plastic bag in the crisper for 5-7 days. Once the beans are shelled, eat raw or cook within 3 days.
I’ve shelled and frozen my fava beans uncooked with the protective skin still intact for months and they’re still amazing! They’re not as bright green as they are when they’re fresh, but they’re just as delicious.
I’ve also cooked them and removed them from the protective skin and frozen them as well. Just thaw and add to your dishes!
How do you prepare favas?
Cooking and prepping fava beans is a labor of love as it is a bit time consuming, but they cook up very quickly and can be made in advance. Refer to my post on How To Cook Fava Beans for a step by step guide and handy video to make things even easier.
Is there a fava bean substitute?
Yes, you can use fresh lima beans in place of fava beans if you can’t find them in your area. Peas and edamame would also be great substitutes
20 fava bean recipes
Not sure what to do with fava beans? There are actually so many ways to prepare and enjoy them. Below are just 20 of my favorite fava bean recipes.
Whether you’re craving a fresh salad, a hearty pasta dish, or a simple appetizer, this list of fava bean recipes covers all the bases.
Spring Farro Salad with Feta
Spring Farro Salad with Feta is packed with chewy, nutty farro, spring veggies and creamy feta cheese. It's tossed in a lemon vinaigrette for a delicious spring side dish or vegetarian main!
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Fava Bean Dip
This 8-ingredient dip is great for snacking as well as wraps and sandwiches!
Ricotta Gnocchi with Peas, Fava Beans and Mint
Homemade gnocchi is coated in a creamy ricotta sauce and tossed with fava beans.
Fava Bean Puree
Fava bean puree is a bright tasting spread that pairs nicely with toast, crackers, and veggies.
Spring Vegetable Risotto
Spring Vegetable Risotto is creamy vegetarian risotto packed with spring produce and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Recipe includes tips to make perfect risotto every single time!
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Potato Hash with Asparagus, Fava Beans and Green Garlic
This hearty spring breakfast hash is loaded with fava beans, asparagus, and potatoes.
Ricotta on Toast with Fava Beans and Mint
Fava beans and fresh mint are piled atop ricotta toast for a fresh breakfast you won’t soon forget.
Vegan Ravioli with Fava Beans
This recipe walks you through the steps of making homemade ravioli stuffed with an cheesy fava bean mixture.
Grilled Vegetable Summer Succotash Pasta Salad
Grilled Vegetable Summer Succotash Pasta Salad is a hearty gluten free, vegetarian pasta salad tossed in a basil lime vinaigrette!
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Chorizo Carbonara
This easy chorizo carbonara recipe has a short ingredients list, including 1 pound of fresh fava beans.
Fava Beans with Prosciutto and Cream
Fava beans and salty prosciutto are simmered in a luscious sauce and finished with fresh chives.
Grilled Veggie Flatbread Pizza with Pesto
Grilled Veggie Flatbread Pizza is whole grain naan topped with pesto, fresh mozzarella, and plenty of veggies. It’s an easy, delicious healthy pizza option!
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Cacio e Pepe with Fava Beans
Cheesy, peppery pasta is made even better with the addition of fava beans. Cacio e pepe is a stunning dish that’s a breeze to make!
Breakfast Toast with Fava Bean Spread and Crispy Capicola
This easy breakfast toast recipe takes about 25 minutes to make and includes a creamy fava bean spread and plenty of flavor!
Summer Succotash Salad with Tangy Lime Vinaigrette
Summer Succotash Salad with Tangy Lime Vinaigrette is an easy succotash salad recipe packed with grilled vegetables and lime dressing
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La Fritteda, Pasta with Fava Beans, Fennel, and Onions
Spinach pasta is taken up a notch with fava beans, peas, fennel, and artichokes.
Fresh Fava Bean and Parmesan Salad
It doesn’t get much simpler than this fresh fava bean salad. It’s made with five basic ingredients and is the perfect side dish to serve alongside pasta or grilled meat.
Cheese Tortellini with Herbed Ricotta and Fava Beans
Packaged cheese tortellini gets a makeover in this easy pasta dinner with fava beans and plenty of veggies!
Marinated Fava Beans
Marinated fava beans will last two to three weeks in the fridge. Enjoy as is, spoon over toast, or add to a cheese board.
posted in: Produce Guides, Recipe Roundup, Recipes, Spring // 12 comments
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Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven — Reply
I clearly need to get my hands on some fava beans ASAP! They seriously look so gorgeous Marcie and I’m dying to make all those recipes!
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Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary — Reply
I didn’t grow up eating fava beans, but it was love at first sight for me too in culinary school!! For some reason I can’t seem to find any around here though… so you should be a doll and send me some! Lol! This produce guide is filled with ALL the yum! Pinned! Cheers!
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Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health — Reply
What a great reminder of how awesome fava beans are! I rarely see them at the store but this post is making me want to find some and get to eating! 🙂
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Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice — Reply
I’m not ready to say goodbye to all of the spring produce, either! I’ll be honest, I’ve only had fava beans a few times and have never cooked with them before. But after seeing your post, I definitely need to! Love all of these recipes that you shared!
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flavorthemoments — Reply
Thanks Gayle and I hope you get to try some recipes soon! 🙂
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mira — Reply
Wow, I’ve had fava beans, but never cooked with them. Such a great post and I love the recipes! I’m intrigues by those pickled java beans 🙂
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Leanne | Crumb Top Baking — Reply
I had no idea fava beans were so nutrient dense! I need more of them in my life. And with all the recipes you shared in this post, I know where to find my recipe inspiration! Have a great weekend Marcie!
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Ashley@CookNourishBliss — Reply
I am so not ready for spring produce to leave either! (it’s apparently going to be over 90 here all week – ugh so not ready for that weather yet either!! haha) ANYWAY. This is a great reminder that I need to use fava beans more often in my kitchen!!
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Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness — Reply
So many of these recipes look delicious! I don’t cook with fava beans often, but now I want to give a few these recipes a try for sure. And I love that you grow fava beans in your garden!
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flavorthemoments — Reply
Thank you so much Nicole!
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Karen (Back Road Journal) — Reply
I love fava beans, they are a delicious part of spring. Unfortunately I have not seen them in the markets since we moved to Florida. I’ve actually not even seen them as an ingredient at our local restaurants.
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flavorthemoments — Reply
I hope you’re able to find some soon Karen!
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