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Fava Bean Crostini

Mary Ann Esposito

In Sicilian dialect the word is maccu. In Ligurian dialect the word is marro, but no matter what the dialect word is, this spreadable paste made from fresh fava beans is delicious. It is best to use young fava beans since they will be much creamier than older and bigger beans. If larger beans are the only kind available, they will need to be cooked first in boiling water before proceeding with the recipe.

INGREDIENTS

3 pounds fresh fava beans, shelled (about 3 cups shelled if small, or 1 3/4 cups if need to peel outer shell)
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1/4 to 1/2 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 cup grated Pecorino cheese
Grinding of black pepper
12 small slices of bread, toasted

DIRECTIONS

Boil until the outer skin of the bean easily slips off, and the beans are soft enough to be mashed between the fingers. Fava beans are also available frozen.

In a food processor, grind the fava beans to a pulp with the garlic cloves. Slowly pour enough olive oil through the feed tube with the motor running until a smooth but not too runny paste forms. The fava beans should have the consistency of mashed potatoes.

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the cheese. Spread a small amount on the bread slices and drizzle each one with a little extra-virgin olive oil. Extra paste can be stored in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Serve the toasts immediately.

Did you know that fava beans love to grow in cool weather and will germinate in soil as cold as 40 degrees?

item recipe is featured in Episode 1006 of Season 10.

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Fava Bean Crostini

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

Want More Recipes? See My Latest Book:

Ciao Italia Family Classics

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