Fava Bean Pesto

One of my favorite spring vegetables is the fava bean.  As soon as they appear in the market, I grab as many as I can find as their season is short.  That said, you can find frozen fava beans at some gourmet food stores. If none are available, you can use frozen edamame for this receipe. The taste is almost the same.

This pesto is super easy to make plus it has all sorts of creative uses in the kitchen.  Here it is used as a pasta sauce. It is also delicious as a spread on bread for sandwiches or as a topping for cooked vegetables.  Add a tablespoon to your salad dressing for a heighted taste. Or add a dollop onto your vegetable soup, preferably a minestrone.  Its use is only limited by your imagination as a cook.

Ingredients:

I cup fresh, cleaned fava beans (or defrosted fava beans)

1 small clove of garlic, cut in quarters

3 Tablespoons roasted pine nuts

1 cup mixed destemmed fresh basil, parsley, and mint

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or half Parmesan, half Pecorino)

1 Tablespoon grated lemon rind

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

Pinch of salt

1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking instructions:

1.       If using frozen fava beans, cook for two minutes in boiling vegetable broth and drain thoroughly. Allow to cool before proceeding.

2.       Put garlic in the beaker of a food processor. Pulse several times.

3.       Add all the other ingredients except the olive oil, salt and red pepper.  Pulse intermittently to avoid the pesto becoming too smooth and creamy. You want to keep some texture.

4.       Remove the pesto from the beaker and put into a bowl. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil until it gets to a consistency of your choice. You do not need to use all of the olive oil.

5.       Store in a jar, topped with olive oil.  Pesto will keep in the refrigerator for 4-5 days or up to 5 months in the freezer.  Remove and allow to come to room temperature before using.

Makes: 1 cup

Wine recommendations:  Gavi de Gavi, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chablis, Albariño, Grüner Veltliner, and Pinot Gris.