fava bean
[ FAH-vuh ]
This tan, rather flat bean resembles a very large
LIMA BEAN. It comes in a large pod that, unless very young, is inedible. Fava
BEANS can be purchased dried, cooked in cans and, infrequently, fresh. If you find fresh fava
BEANS, choose those with pods that aren't bulging with
BEANS, which indicates age. Fava
BEANS have a very tough skin, which should be removed by
BLANCHING before cooking. They're very popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, can be cooked in a variety of ways and are often used in soups. Also called faba bean, broad bean and horse bean. See also
BEANS.
© Copyright Barron's Educational Services, Inc. 1995 based on THE FOOD LOVER'S
COMPANION, 2nd edition, by Sharon Tyler Herbst.
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