Mediterranean-Style Fava Bean Salad with Lemon and Herbs

This Mediterranean-style fava bean salad is a bright and flavorful dish that's perfect for a summer meal. The fava beans are cooked until tender, then combined with a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a lemony dressing. The result is a salad that's both refreshing and satisfying.

Fava beans have been cultivated in the Mediterranean region for centuries. They're a good source of protein and fiber, and they have a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. In this salad, the fava beans are paired with a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a lemony dressing. The result is a dish that's both refreshing and satisfying.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 60 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried fava beans, sorted and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Soak the fava beans in a large bowl of cold water overnight.
2. Drain the beans and rinse them well.
3. In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
4. Add the beans and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until tender.
5. Drain the beans and let them cool slightly.
6. In a large bowl, combine the beans, onion, garlic, bell pepper, parsley, mint, lemon juice, and olive oil.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Why It Works

• Soaking the fava beans overnight helps to soften them and reduce their cooking time.
• Cooking the fava beans in a large pot of water helps to prevent them from sticking together.
• Adding a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a lemony dressing to the fava beans creates a salad that's both flavorful and visually appealing.