Fava Bean Puree With Sauteed Cicoria Recipe

As I embraced the simple elegance of this Italian-inspired dish, I found the creamy fava bean puree perfectly complemented by the earthy, slightly bitter cicoria. A drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon elevated the flavors, leaving me feeling like I’d discovered a new comfort food classic.

I love how the earthy bitterness of sautéed cicoria pairs perfectly with fava bean purée. Comprising peeled fava beans, the creamy purée has the subtle flavor of beans, but is presented in a way that allows the essence of the fava bean to shine.

Cicoria, which is somewhat like collard greens, is a leafy green that contrasts beautifully with the bean purée. The lack of ingredients and preparation methods may lead one to think that this dish isn’t flavorful, but that’s simply not the case.

Fava Bean Puree With Sauteed Cicoria Recipe Ingredients

• Dried Fava Beans: Rich in protein and fiber, they create a creamy, nutritious base.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds healthy fats and a smooth, fruity flavor.
• Cicoria (Dandelion Greens): Provides earthy bitterness; high in vitamins A and C.
• Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic and savory notes.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional heat for a spicy kick without overwhelming flavors.

Fava Bean Puree With Sauteed Cicoria Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup dried fava beans, peeled and split
• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste
• 1 pound cicoria (dandelion greens), cleaned and trimmed
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Black pepper to taste
• Additional olive oil for drizzling
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

How to Make this Fava Bean Puree With Sauteed Cicoria Recipe

1. Wash the dried fava beans in cold water and put them in a cooking pot with 4 cups of water. Heat the pot on high until the water boils, then reduce to medium heat and allow the beans to simmer for about
1.5 hours and be tender. Stir the beans occasionally and remove the foam that rises to the surface.

2. When the fava beans are tender, take them off the heat and let them cool for several minutes. Use an immersion blender or a food processor to puree the beans with any leftover cooking liquid until smooth. Add salt to taste and 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, blending until well combined.

3. In a large skillet, over medium heat, add the residual tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil.

4. Put the sliced garlic in the skillet, and sauté it for about 1 minute until it is fragrant but not browned.

5. Incorporate the cicoria into the skillet and sauté, stirring from time to time, for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the tender, wilted greens are ready to eat.

6. Cicoria should be seasoned with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), to taste.

7. Put the fava bean puree onto a serving platter or onto individual plates.

8. Spread the sautéed cicoria evenly across the top of the puree.

9. To add more taste and a shiny finish, drizzle more olive oil on top.

10. Present the dish right away, providing lemon wedges on the side for diners to squeeze over their servings, if they wish. Bon appétit!

Fava Bean Puree With Sauteed Cicoria Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Cooking pot
2. Immersion blender or food processor
3. Large skillet
4. Stirring spoon
5. Slicing knife
6. Cutting board
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Serving platter or plates
10. Tongs or spatula

FAQ

• What is cicoria, and can I substitute it?Cicoria has a slightly bitter flavor and is also known as dandelion greens. If you can’t find it, substitute with other kinds of bitter greens like escarole or Swiss chard.
• How should I prepare the fava beans before cooking?Make sure to peel and split the fava beans. If you are using whole fava beans, don’t skip the overnight soaking; it is very important for achieving the right texture during cooking.
• Can I use fresh fava beans instead of dried ones?Due to their flavor and texture, fresh fava beans are usually employed in various recipes. Dried beans, however, make a more suitable ingredient for making a fava bean puree. They lend the right consistency to the finished sauce.
• How spicy is this dish?Add a mild heat that finely diced fresh jalapeño peppers provide. Adjust the amount to your taste, or don’t use any of the aforementioned, and your dish won’t be spicy.
• What is the role of lemon wedges in this recipe?Adding lemon wedges enhances the experience; they impart refreshing, citrusy acidity, which plays divinely with the flavors of the fava bean puree and the greens.
• How should the final dish be served?Lightly coat the puree with olive oil, then add freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Serve alongside the sautéed cicoria, and add lemon wedges to the plate, if you like, for a zesty touch.

Fava Bean Puree With Sauteed Cicoria Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 c dried chickpeas instead of dried fava beans
Cicoria (dandelion greens) can be replaced with spinach or Swiss chard.
Use 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil, instead of extra-virgin olive oil.
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper instead of red pepper flakes.
Replace lemon wedges with lime wedges.

Pro Tips

1. Soak the Fava Beans: For quicker cooking and easier digestion, soak the dried fava beans overnight in plenty of water. This will also help them become softer and creamier when cooked.