Broad beans, also known as fava beans, are in season in the UK from the end of June to the middle of September.
A member of the legume family, they have a pale green pod which, when cracked open, reveals a fleecy lining, home to the large, flattish beans. They’re also easy to grow from seed, yielding green pods of green or white beans that can be used in salads, soups, dips, pasta and risottos.
They’re also a good source of protein, carbohydrates and vitamins; for more information see our broad bean glossary page.
How to cook and prepare broad beans.
To eat broad beans, you’ll need to remove their outer jackets first. Within this, broad beans also have a casing that can be tough and bitter, particularly once the beans are fully grown. It’s best to remove this as part of the preparation method – a process known as double-podding. Simply pinch each bean between your fingertips and squeeze; the vibrant green inner bean will pop free of its casing.
Double-podding takes a little time, but the sweet, fresh flavour of the beans inside makes it worthwhile.
If you’re in a hurry, the flavour of broad beans works harmoniously with other seasonal greens like asparagus or peas, so you can bulk out the quantities and save time on double-podding.
Blanching method
To make double-podding easier, try cooking the unpeeled beans in boiling water for two minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool them quickly, then use your nail to break into each bean and remove the tough skin.
Basic broad bean recipe
Serves 4
- 300g podded broad beans
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- few mint leaves
- Tip the podded beans into a pan of boiling water and cook for two minutes. Drain and cover with cold water to cool, then drain again and peel the outer skin from the beans.
- Stir in the olive oil and add lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. If you’d like a softer texture, use a potato masher to crush a few of the broad beans. Fold in the mint leaves.
- Serve on toast with shavings of pecorino or parmesan, or as an accompaniment to lamb, halloumi or fish.
What to do with cooked broad beans:
Cooked broad beans are incredibly versatile and can be served warm or cold. Toss them through salads with lemon, herbs and cheese like our lemony broad beans with goat’s cheese, peas & mint, mash them with olive oil and garlic for a vibrant toast topping like our pea & broad bean hummus with goat’s cheese & sourdough, or stir into risottos, pastas and grain bowls for added texture and freshness. They also work well blended into dips or stirred through sautéed greens for a simple side.
These are our five favourite recipes using broad beans:
1. Broad bean pasta
Ready in under an hour, this light pasta dish is a lovely way to make the most of broad beans, at their peak in summer months. Peas work well too, though broad beans are just as sweet when peeled.
2. Broad bean, pea & ricotta frittata
Tuck into this simple frittata in less than 30 minutes, with feta, broad beans, peas and spring onions. Pod fresh broad beans for this, or opt for frozen for ease.
3. Broad bean hummus with crackers
Try this verdant broad bean dip for a delicious alternative to classic hummus. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, then serve with the crackers for scooping.
4. Asparagus & broad bean fattoush with crispy asparagus ends
This vegetarian, Middle Eastern-style sharing salad salad makes brilliant use of asparagus, radishes and broad beans.
5. Broad bean, herb & ricotta fritters
Serve these easy broad bean fritters with ricotta and boiled eggs. Try it for a great weekend brunch dish for two.
How to freeze broad beans
The best way to freeze broad beans is to blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then plunge them straight into cold water. This makes it easier to slip off their tough outer skins. Once peeled, dry the beans, spread them out in a single layer on a baking tray, and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen beans to a freezer-safe bag or container – they’ll keep well for up to three months.
Find more brilliant bean recipes…
Broad bean recipe collection
What to do with broad beans
Green bean recipe collection
Green bean salad recipe collection
What are your favourite broad bean recipes? Leave a comment below…
