Organic British Split Fava Beans (Broad Beans)

What Are Fava Beans?

Fava beans are the dried beans of the Vicia faba species of the legume family.

They're the same species as the fresh or frozen green broad beans more familiar in British cooking but fava beans are the fully mature dried fruit of smaller seeded varieties

They can be used to make dal, falafel and hummus, or even to thicken soups, stews and curries.

Cooking Dry Split Fava Beans

To cook simply cover the beans with water or stock, boil for 10 minutes then simmer, braise or roast for 20-30 minutes more.

Pre-soaking speeds up cooking but isn't essential. The beans will get softer and softer as they cook.

Once cooked, use them straight away, pop in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze them to use later. 

Fava Bean Hummus Recipe

To make a fava bean hummus, drain 250g of the cooked beans and then blitz in a processor with the juice of 1 lemon, 2 cloves of crushed garlic, 2 tbsp of tahini, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt. Once it has formed a paste, add a spoonful of water and blitz again, then serve and dip away!