Tender Fava Bean and Fresh Vegetable Salad
Nutritious Fava Bean Salad Recipe
Today, we’ll be making a healthy and delicious Fava Bean Salad. This salad is captivating, with the harmony of fresh vegetables and tender fava beans that stimulate your appetite and provide a sense of fullness. It’s a wonderful option for a simple yet elegant meal or as a side dish!
Salad Ingredients
- Fava beans (dried) 1 handful (approx. 50g)
- Cabbage 3 leaves
- Romaine lettuce 3 leaves
- Onion 1/2 medium
- Carrot 1/4 (approx. 50g)
- Cherry tomatoes (date variety) 6
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare about one handful of dried fava beans, the star of our salad.
Step 2
Soak the shelled fava beans (if using only the inner beans) in cold water for 2 hours. You’ll notice they significantly increase in size. If you are using fava beans with skins on, remove the skins and soak them for at least 6 hours. Soaking makes the beans tender and reduces cooking time.
Step 3
Drain the soaked fava beans using a sieve.
Step 4
In a pot, bring plenty of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the drained fava beans and cook for 15-20 minutes. Adjust the cooking time based on the beans’ tenderness. They are ready when a fork can pierce them easily.
Step 5
Carefully remove the cooked fava beans from the hot water and rinse them briefly under cold water to cool them down. This step helps to achieve a chewier texture.
Step 6
Prepare the salad vegetables. Tear the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces by hand. Thinly slice the cabbage (about 0.5cm thick) and the onion. Julienne the carrot. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
Step 7
Place all the prepared vegetables in a large bowl. Add a little water and gently toss the vegetables while they are submerged. This helps the vegetables mix evenly without clumping and keeps them looking fresher.
Step 8
Drain the water from the vegetables by inverting the bowl or using a salad spinner. Removing as much excess water as possible ensures the dressing adheres well to the salad.
Step 9
Arrange the drained vegetables attractively in a large salad bowl. Finally, scatter the cooked and cooled fava beans evenly over the top. Look how beautiful the colors are!
Step 10
Finish with your favorite dressing. I highly recommend a zesty balsamic glaze. This is a reduction of balsamic vinegar, often simmered with sugar or honey until thick, which will elevate the salad’s flavor profile. You can use store-bought balsamic glaze or make your own for a delicious result.
