Fava beans: The summer superfood you need in your diet

Fava beans are one of our favorite seasonal legumes. Due to their nutritional properties, they're worth incorporating into your diet. However, it's also essential to know how to cook them so they retain their valuable qualities.

Summer is when more vegetables and fruits appear in stores and markets. It's the season for fava beans, which are great as an addition to dishes, although their enthusiasts also enjoy them solo with just butter and dill.

We will show you how to cook fava beans so they retain their firmness and, most importantly, their precious health properties.

Fava beans can be considered one of summer's natural treasures. They are an excellent source of protein, making them perfect for people who avoid or limit meat in their diet. They are also fiber-rich, which helps regulate intestinal function and provides prolonged satiety. Due to their low-calorie content and small amount of fat, they are also great for weight-loss diets.

Young fava beans can be eaten raw in small amounts. It is best to cook young pods in slightly salted, boiling water with a pinch of sugar for about 10 minutes. Older fava beans usually need more time, but after about 15 minutes, you should check if they are appropriately soft but firm. The right cooking time ensures that the fava beans do not lose their valuable properties; prolonged cooking can make them overcooked and less nutritious.

Older fava beans can be soaked in cold water for about an hour before cooking. Adding caraway, marjoram, or bay leaves to the boiling water can prevent bloating. Additionally, if you dislike the smell of cooking fava beans, you can add a sprig of dill to the pot, which will significantly reduce the characteristic odor.