Recipe: Orzo with Fava Beans and Mint

Fava beans are, in our opinion, one of the very best things about spring. So, when we set out to follow a Martha Stewart recipe for orzo with peas but couldn't find English peas at the farmers' market, we had no regrets having to substitute with fava beans.

It's an uncomplicated recipe, although the addition of favas does add quite a bit of extra prep time devoted to shelling the beans, as well as a slightly longer cooking time. Even though we have been known to curse the beans for giving us repetitive motion injuries while shelling them, in the end it's always worth it to taste their buttery, green flavor.

Orzo, the delicate grain-shaped pasta, is quick to cook, and the rest of the recipe consists of sautéeing shallots, lemon zest, and the peas or beans in a bit of butter. Throw in some fresh chopped mint, and maybe an extra squeeze of lemon juice, and you have the perfect spring side dish.

• Original recipe: Orzo with Mint and Peas, from Martha Stewart

(Image: Emily Ho)

Comments (2)

I have something similar in my fridge: orzo with grilled pencil-thin asparagus (in pieces), little cubes of amazing greek feta, all tossed with lemon-flavoured olive oil, and served with chopped mint on top.

posted by mschatelaine on May 22nd 2009 at 3:29pm
view mschatelaine's profile

Mschatelaine, your salad with asparagus sounds incredible.

I made this last night with fresh peas and it was gorgeous - silky and bright. I blanched the peas for a minute in the orzo water, was very liberal with the mint, and drizzled a little lovely lemon flavoured olive oil to finish the dish. This is going to be a favorite this summer.

posted by dingdong on May 24th 2009 at 2:30pm
view dingdong's profile