We're excited to see fava beans showing up in the farmers' markets, but we admit to being a little intimidated about all that shelling-boiling-shelling action.
Sometimes watching a quick demonstration is all it takes to demystify a cooking technique. Such is the case with this YouTube video on shelling fava beans...
The video comes from a chef named John Mitzewich, who posts his videos on YouTube and his website, Food Wishes.
He gives you nice close-ups, simple instructions for blanching and peeling the beans, and a witty comment here and there. ("The fava bean is like the Russian nesting doll of the bean family.")
Watch and enjoy — it will likely make you feel more confident about tackling a pile of favas.
Use them in this:
(Image: Faith Hopler)
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I think blanching them for six minutes is a little long. I usually do 45-60 seconds and that works just fine.
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