Fava Bean Salata
Ingredients
1 1/2 C.(s) dried fava or butter beans soaked overnight in water
1/3 C.(s) extra virgin olive oil
1/2 C.(s) finely chopped onion
1 garlic clove finely chopped
1/3 C.(s) finely diced carrot
1/3 C.(s) finely diced celery
1 bay leaf crumbled
2 1/2 Tbsp. minced flat leaf parsley
sea salt to taste
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper or more to taste
1 slice coarse grain bread crust removed, and soaked for 5 minutes in:
2 Tbsp. olive oil (or to taste)
1 small lemon juiced for serving
1 pinch paprika (generous)
Cooking Instructions
Drain the dried beans and place in large saucepan with cold water to cover. Bring slowly to a boil, drain and rinse. Rinse out the saucepan, return the beans to the pan, and add cold water to cover by 3 inches. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and gently simmer 25 to 30 minutes, or until soft. Drain, reserving 1/2 C. of the cooking liquid. Remove the fava bean skins with your fingers and spread the beans between layers of paper towels to dry. Heat 2 Tbls. of the olive oil in a large heavy skillet. Sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and bay leaf over medium low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until dark golden brown, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. Transfer to a food processor or blender container and add the bread. With the machine running, add about two thirds of the lemon juice and 2 Tbls. of the olive oil, and process until thick and smooth. Add a few Tbls. of water if the puree seems too thick, and add salt, pepper, olive oil, and/or lemon juice to taste. Serve on a platter, sprinkled with the remaining parsley and olive oil and the paprika. To make the traditional way: pound the cooked vegetable bean mixture and the bread in a large wooden mortar for 5 minutes. Slowly add about two thirds of the lemon juice and then 3/4 C. of the olive oil. Pound for 5 minutes longer, and add salt, pepper, olive oil, and/or lemon juice to taste.
My tears have been my food day and night, While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” (Psalms 42:3)