Fava Bean Burgers with Pecorino and Lemon Fava Sauce
Category: Main Course
Serves: 8
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fava beans (peeled) | 300g |
| Fava bean pods (for the skins) | 400g |
| Pecorino Romano cheese | 80g |
| Bread (stale or fresh) | 170g |
| Egg | 1 |
| Fresh mint leaves | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ground black pepper | To taste |
| Breadcrumbs | As needed |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 30g |
| Lemon juice | ½ lemon |
| Garlic clove | 1 |
| Mixed salad greens | To taste |
| Pecorino Romano cheese (sliced) | 200g |
| Whole grain burger buns | 8 |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Fava Beans
Begin by removing the filament from the fava bean pods. Open the pods and extract the beans. You will need 1 kg of fava pods to yield 300g of beans. Set the beans aside. -
Blanch the Fava Skins
Take 400g of fava bean pods (the skins) and blanch them in hot water for about 15 minutes. Once done, drain and let them cool slightly. -
Prepare the Burger Mixture
Transfer the cooled skins to a food processor. Add the bread, cut into cubes, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, fresh mint leaves, and the egg. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Pulse everything together until you obtain a smooth, homogeneous mixture. -
Make the Lemon Fava Sauce
While your burger mixture is resting, move on to the sauce. In a separate pot, blanch the fava beans in boiling water for a few minutes. Drain them, let them cool, and then peel the outer skins off.
Transfer the peeled beans to a blender. Add the juice of half a lemon, the garlic clove (peeled and minced), salt, and pepper. Gradually pour in the olive oil while blending everything together until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce. Cover with plastic wrap and set it aside until ready to serve. -
Shape the Fava Bean Burgers
Return to the fava bean mixture. Shape the mixture into 8 small burger patties by taking a portion of the mix and molding it into the classic round burger shape using your hands. Coat each patty in breadcrumbs, ensuring they are evenly covered. -
Cook the Burgers
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the patties in the pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. -
Assemble the Burgers
While the burgers are cooking, slice the Pecorino Romano cheese into thin slices. Once the burgers are cooked, place a slice of Pecorino on top of each burger and let it melt slightly from the residual heat. -
Prepare the Burger Buns
Cut the whole grain burger buns in half. On the bottom half of each bun, place a handful of mixed salad greens. Spoon a generous amount of the creamy fava bean sauce onto the greens. -
Assemble and Serve
Place the cooked fava bean burgers on top of the sauce, and finish with the top half of the buns. Repeat the process for all 8 burgers, then serve immediately while hot and delicious.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 345 kcal |
| Protein | 18g |
| Fat | 21g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
Tips & Variations
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, substitute the egg with flaxseed meal or chickpea flour to bind the mixture. Replace the Pecorino cheese with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for added flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the burger mix or sauce if you enjoy a spicy kick.
- Extra Toppings: For an extra burst of flavor, top the finished burger with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a squeeze of extra lemon juice.
These fava bean burgers, topped with melted Pecorino and served in hearty whole grain buns, make for a wholesome, satisfying meal that brings a fresh twist to classic comfort food. Paired with the vibrant and tangy lemon fava sauce, they are a perfect choice for a nutritious and delicious main course. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to try something new, these burgers will surely win you over!
