Fava beans are very healthy since they are full of fiber. I often make them for an Iranian dish. They tend to have a sweet, meaty flavor and are easy to prepare if you know how.
When you are ready to prepare the give the beans a quick wash. Then set a pot with cold water on the stove and let it come to a boil.
As you wait for the water to come to a boil start working on the shelling the fava beans. Grab the stem end and snap it off. You will see a thin thread like a string in the center of the bean. Pull that string down the middle to get to the pods.
Remove all the bean pods and set them aside in a dish. When the water is boiling add the shelled fava beans into the pot. Add some salt and let them simmer for about 2 minutes.
Fill a bowl with ice and water. Once the beans are done drain them in a colander and then dump them straight into the ice water.
You will notice that the outer shell will start to crinkle up a bit. That's ok and you can start peeling off the outer skin as soon as the fava beans are cool to the touch.
Ones you have all the skins removed you can use the fava beans in your dishes.
If you like to learn a Persian dish made with fresh Fava Beans click here.
