The Best of the Fava Bean Recipes

In every family, there are recipes that transcend generations, binding members together with shared memories and familiar flavors. In my family, one such dish is our hearty fava bean stew—a recipe steeped in tradition, evoking warmth and comfort in every bite. This stew is more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of our heritage, a dish that has been passed down from grandparents to grandchildren, each generation making it their own while staying true to its humble origins.

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The Recipe: How to Make Our Hearty Fava Bean Stew

This fava bean stew is easy to prepare, making it a perfect go-to for a weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal. Here’s how you can make it yourself and bring a little taste of my family’s tradition to your kitchen.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fava Beans: Open the can of fava beans, separating the beans from the juice. Reserve the juice, as it will help thicken the stew later. If desired, you can peel the beans to remove their outer skins. This step is optional, and peeling them results in a smoother, creamier texture, while leaving them unpeeled adds a bit more bite to the stew.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Add the bell pepper to the pan. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes at this stage.
3. Cook the Fava Beans: Add the fava beans to the pan with the onions and garlic, frying them gently. Let them soak in the flavor from the aromatics, stirring occasionally. After a few minutes, pour in the reserved fava bean juice. This is where the magic happens—the juice will thicken as it simmers with the beans, creating a rich, velvety base for the stew.
4. Add the Chorizo: Once the stew starts to thicken, toss in the sliced chorizo sausage. The chorizo adds a deep, smoky flavor that complements the earthiness of the fava beans perfectly. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the chorizo to release its oils and flavor into the stew.
5. Season to Taste: Add salt, white pepper, and paprika to taste. The white pepper provides a gentle, aromatic heat, while the paprika adds warmth and color. Taste as you go, adjusting the seasoning until you achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
6. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Lemon: Once the stew has thickened to your liking, turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh parsley and the juice of half a lemon. The parsley adds brightness and freshness, while the lemon juice gives the dish a zesty tang that cuts through the richness of the beans and chorizo.
7. Serve: Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top of the stew for a finishing touch. Serve the stew with warm Portuguese buns, perfect for soaking up every last bit of the flavorful sauce. Garnish with a slice of lemon on the side for those who enjoy an extra citrusy kick.

Vegetarian Version: If you prefer a vegetarian version of the stew, you can easily omit the chorizo. The beans are flavorful enough on their own, especially with the addition of the onion, garlic, and seasonings. To give the dish a bit more substance, consider adding other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. You can also sprinkle some feta or a vegan cheese alternative for added texture

Spicier Stew: If you love heat, increase the amount of chili flakes or swap them out for fresh chilies. You could even add some smoked paprika for an extra layer of spice and smokiness.

Add Tomato: It’s that time of year again – tomatoes abound! If you’re into a ‘saucier’ sauce. Be sure to cook them down along with the onions. Have too many to use? Check out our guide on canning tomato sauce.

Different Proteins: While chorizo is the traditional meat in this recipe, you can experiment with different types of sausage or even other proteins like diced chicken or pancetta. Each option will bring a unique flavor to the dish while keeping it hearty and satisfying.

Herb Substitutes: If you don’t have parsley on hand, other fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can work well. Each herb will bring a different character to the stew, but the brightness of fresh herbs is essential to balance the dish.

Serving Options: Though our family always serves this stew with warm Portuguese buns, you could serve it over rice, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes. The stew is rich enough to complement a variety of sides, so feel free to make it your own.

This dish isn’t just a stew—it’s a story of resilience, creativity, and the ability to make something truly special out of humble ingredients. With each spoonful, you’re not just tasting beans and sausage, but also generations of love and care.

So the next time you’re in the mood for something hearty, flavorful, and packed with history, try making this fava bean stew. Serve it with a slice of lemon and a warm bun, and enjoy a meal that’s as rich in tradition as it is in flavor.