Skip to main content
Epicurious
Cookbooks

Fava Bean Purée with Oil-Cured Olives, French Feta, and Garlic Toasts

Fava beans have a cult status in my kitchen, and during their short spring season, I use them as much as possible in salads, ragoûts, and salsas. Here, they are gently stewed in olive oil with garlic and chile and puréed until creamy. This fava bean “hummus” is on my list of perfect foods. Though the classic cheese served with favas in Italy is pecorino, I break with tradition and crumble feta over the purée instead. If you have any leftover purée, make an open-faced sandwich topped with arugula, shallots, a drizzling of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and a few shavings of pecorino (or feta). It’s the ultimate snack or light lunch.

Cooks' Note

I shuck, blanch, and peel the favas ahead of time but wait to cook and purée them until just before serving.

Read More
Chocolate Guinness Cake
A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.
Super Seedy Power Cookies
As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.
Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon
This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.
Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter
This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.
Caramelized Onion Pasta
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Classic French Vinaigrette
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Béchamel Sauce
This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.
One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.