Year of the Bean

Another summer fave – bean spread with herbs.

Ingredients

• 235g skinless fava beans (I used Paolo’s Gourmet)
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tbsp. fresh herbs (I used rosemary, chives, oregano), chopped fine
• generous glugs of olive oil
• 1 heaping tsp. kosher salt

Procedure

1. Put beans and baking soda in a large glass bowl; cover with water by several inches and soak overnight
2. Drain soaked beans, put in a large heavy-bottomed pot, add herbs and olive oil, and cover with 2″ water
3. Raise to a boil and boil for 5 minutes; then lower to a simmer and simmer until beans are softening – add salt once beans are soft
4. Cook on low heat until beans fall apart and become a thick, dip-like consistency, scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking and burning
5. Enjoy on good bread, or as part of a creamy pasta sauce!