This dish, green risotto with fava beans immediately is enchanting for quite a few reasons. First, it immediately brings to mind that famous line from Hannibal Lecter about eating a certain something with a nice chianti and some fava beans. But risotto is also one of those wonderful dishes that’s been romanticized quite a bit. If you master this dish, you’ll be sure to make a statement for your guests. They’ll be curious and will definitely have an appetite.
Health Benefits
The fava beans that are the key ingredient in this risotto are more than just a spectacular pop culture reference. They just don’t pair well with the unspeakable, but they also have a myriad of health benefits. First and foremost, just one fava bean yields 36 grams of soluble fiber which can help the body to regulate cholesterol and is ultimately good for the heart. It’s also a great source of protein which is necessary for cell and tissue repair. The non-meat protein content of this risotto makes it an excellent choice for vegetarians
Ingredients
1/2 lb fresh – unshelled fava beans
4 cups chicken broth
3 tbsp butter – divided
1 small onion – finely chopped
1 cup Arborio rice
1/4 cup white wine
1/4 cup grated Reggiano Parmesan cheese
salt to taste
How To Make Green Risotto with Fava Beans recipe
- Boil a large pot of salted water.
- Shell the fava beans and discard the pods.
- Boil the beans for 4 mins and strain them,before immediately plungingthem into ice water.
- Let the beans cool for 2 mins.
- Pierce the favas and squeeze them out of their skins.
- Separate 3/4 of the favas and puree in a food processor.
- Bring the broth to a simmer in a large separate saucepan.
- Note:Keep it hot.
- Melt 1.5 tbsp of butter in another large saucepan over medium heat and add the onions.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 5 mins.
- Note: Do not brown the onions.
- Add the rice and cook, while stirring, for 2 mins.
- Add the wine while increasing the heat to medium.
- Note:Stir constantly.
- When the wine has been absorbed, add a little of the hot stock.
- Once the stock is absorbed, add a little more.
- Repeat this processuntil the rice is cooked through while continuing to constantly stir the pan.
- Add the pureed favas, the remaining 1.5 tbsp of butter, the remainingfava beans, and the cheese to the cooked rice.
- Cook over medium heat while stirring until the butter and cheese melt and the puree is evenly mixed throughout the dish.
- Season with salt.
Trivia
Fava beans are also known as a broad bean.