The Easiest Way to Peel Fava Beans

Christine Gallary
Christine GallarySenior Recipe Editor at The Kitchn
After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, I worked at Cook's Illustrated and CHOW's test kitchens. I've edited and tested recipes for more than 15 years, including developing recipes for the James Beard-award winning Mister Jiu's in Chinatown cookbook. My favorite taste testers are my husband, Hayden, and daughter, Sophie.
updated May 2, 2019
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(Image credit: Christine Gallary)

Some people like the ritual of shelling and peeling fava beans, but the two-step process is still labor-intensive. After getting the beans out of their pods, they still have to be blanched in boiling water, then dunked in ice water, before the pesky skins come off easily. Here’s a tip for peeling them that doesn’t require the stove or a single drop of water: use your freezer!

  1. Shuck the fava beans out of their pods, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet or plate.
  2. Place in the freezer until the fava beans are frozen solid, at least 30 minutes. (If not using immediately, transfer them to a resealable plastic bag and keep frozen.)
  3. Let the fava beans sit at room temperature until they’re defrosted, it should take about 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the skins start to look wrinkly.
  4. Pop the fava beans out of their skins and they’re ready to cook.
(Image credit: Christine Gallary)

Easy, right? No need to fire up the stove or waste any water.

Since favas are only available in the spring and are hard to find frozen, stock up when you see them. If you stash the unpeeled beans in the freezer, you can defrost, peel, and use them at your leisure throughout the year!

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