Fava Bean Puree (Pure di Fave)
Fava beans, which have fed the poor of Puglia for hundreds of years, were grown on every available plot of land. Now this food of the poor has been discovered by chefs all over the world. Served with boiled greens and sliced raw onions it is an amazing dish.
Rinse the beans and put them in a pan with the potatoes on top. Cover them with water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 60 minutes, untill they are soft, then drain them. At this point, the true fava bean purist will hold the pot between their legs and vigorously beat the beans with a wooden spoon while slow drizzling in the oilve oil.
The more modern method is to use a hand held whisk or even a potato masher to throughly puree the beans and potatoes, season with salt and pepper, then add the olive oil while stirring with a wooden spoon.
(Serves 4)
- 250g dried white fava beans, rinsed
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- Sea salt
- 300ml extra virgin olive oil
