broad bean

Broad Bean

Broad beans, also known as fava beans, are legumes with a slightly sweet, earthy, and nutty flavor. These large, flat beans are encased in thick, inedible pods and have a vibrant green color when young, turning pale green or brown as they mature. Fresh broad beans boast a tender, almost creamy texture when cooked properly, making them a delightful addition to various dishes. To prepare broad beans, they typically need to be shelled from their pods and often blanched and peeled again to remove the outer skin for a smoother texture and enhanced flavor. Look for firm, bright green pods when purchasing broad beans for the best quality and taste.

Common Uses

  • Broad beans can be added to salads for a fresh, earthy flavor and a boost of protein. Blanching and peeling them beforehand ensures a tender texture that complements other salad ingredients.- Pureed broad beans create a creamy and flavorful base for dips and spreads, often enhanced with herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil. This makes a delicious alternative to hummus or other bean-based dips.- Sautéed broad beans with garlic, herbs, and olive oil make a simple and satisfying side dish. Cooking them until tender brings out their natural sweetness and nutty notes.- Broad beans can be incorporated into pasta dishes, adding a vibrant green color and a delightful textural contrast. They pair well with creamy sauces, pesto, or simply tossed with olive oil and Parmesan cheese.- Broad beans are a traditional ingredient in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, such as ful medames, a popular Egyptian breakfast made with stewed fava beans.- Broad beans are sometimes used in risotto. Their delicate flavor infuses the rice while providing bursts of green colour to the dish.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

341.0kcal (17.05%)

Protein

26.1g (52.24%)

Carbs

62.6g (22.76%)

Sugars

11.2g (22.38%)

Healthy Fat

0.9g

Unhealthy Fat

0.3g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Health Benefits

  • Excellent source of plant-based protein for muscle building and repair.
  • Rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and regularity.
  • High in folate (vitamin B9), crucial for cell growth and development, especially during pregnancy.
  • Contains iron, supporting healthy red blood cell production and energy levels.
  • Good source of manganese, an essential mineral for bone health and metabolism.
  • May help lower cholesterol levels due to its fiber content, contributing to heart health.

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Storage Tips

Fresh broad beans are best used soon after harvest. Store them in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag to maintain humidity and prevent drying out. They will typically last for 3-5 days. Shelled broad beans should also be refrigerated and used within a few days. For longer storage, blanch and freeze broad beans; they can last for several months in the freezer. Dried broad beans should be kept in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place.

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