Fava Bean Recipes

Foul gellaba, a spicy herb-packed dip that hails from Saudi Arabia, is customarily served for breakfast but can also make an appearance at lunch or dinner.

An ancient member of the pea family (Europeans and North Africans have been eating them for millennia), fava beans have a nutty taste and buttery texture all their own.

Our lightened-up version of the Italian classic pasta e fagioli is thin yet flavorful, thanks to the base of homemade vegetable stock and the addition of fresh fava beans and lima beans.

This quick pasta features fava beans; they're like a cross between asparagus and split peas, with a buttery texture and nutty taste that defines seasonal spring vegetables. They star alongside shrimp and pancetta is a dish that's a cinch to make.

This delicious recipe is courtesy of Ariane Daguin.

While the Saudi Arabian rice dish known as saleeg may resemble Italian risotto, it's set apart by the addition of milk, which gives it a rich, creamy texture. Martha's interpretation pairs orzo with dried and fresh mushrooms, fava beans, lots of herbs and spices, and soft-poached eggs.

This recipe, from "Food of Life" cookbook author Najmieh Batmanglij, is a Persian New Year specialty that symbolizes spring fertility and renewal.

Here's an easy way for fava bean fans to enjoy the ingredient during its short peak season, March to May. At other times, shelled edamame are a worthy stand-in. Radishes make good, crunchy dippers for either version.

Inspired by French tradition, this rack of lamb is encrusted with a mixture of Dijon mustard, breadcrumbs, parsley, thyme, and rosemary. It's served family style on a bed of minted fava beans.

Fresh baby artichokes are much easier to prepare than larger ones, as they have no fuzzy chokes to remove. Pair with fava beans and green onions for a light spring lunch.

Fresh, nutty fava beans brighten this comforting roast chicken skillet dinner.

During the transition from spring to summer, in that very short time when the bounty of both seasons' produce is available, take full advantage with this fresh, flavorful succotash recipe.