Traditional Italian Fave e Cicorie Selvatiche Recipe
A Classic Dish of Fava Beans and Wild Chicory
Servings: 4
Category: Main Courses
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dried Fava Beans | 400 g |
| Wild Chicory | 400 g |
| Bay Leaves | 3 |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | To taste |
| Fine Salt | To taste |
| Water | As needed |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 kcal |
| Protein | ~10 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~35 g |
| Fiber | ~12 g |
| Fat | ~5 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~0.5 g |
| Sodium | Varies |
Instructions
Step 1: Rehydrating the Fava Beans
- Preparation: Place the dried fava beans in a large bowl and cover them generously with cold water. Allow them to soak for approximately 12 hours, ideally overnight. This softens the beans for easier cooking.
- Draining: The next day, drain the soaked beans and rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any residual impurities.
Step 2: Cooking the Fava Beans
- Simmering: Transfer the rinsed beans to a large pot. Add enough water to just cover them and include the bay leaves for a subtle aromatic flavor.
- Cooking: Cover the pot with a lid and let the beans simmer on low heat for about 1-1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Step 3: Preparing the Chicory
- Cleaning: Meanwhile, prepare the wild chicory. Remove any wilted or damaged leaves, keeping only the fresh, vibrant ones. Wash the chicory thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or grit.
- Blanching: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chicory and blanch it for 4-5 minutes, stirring gently with a wooden spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Draining: Once tender but still vibrant green, drain the chicory and set it aside.
Step 4: Mashing the Fava Beans
- Puréeing: Once the beans are fully cooked and tender, stir them vigorously with a wooden spoon. The beans should naturally break down into a coarse purée. Continue stirring until you achieve a creamy consistency.
- Seasoning: Add fine salt to the purée, adjusting to taste.
Step 5: Assembling the Dish
- Serving: On a plate, create the traditional presentation by placing the fava bean purée on one half and the blanched chicory on the other. This juxtaposition highlights the earthy flavors of both elements.
- Drizzling: Finish with a generous drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, preferably a robust Pugliese variety.
Step 6: Accompaniments
- Pairing: Serve with slices of rustic Altamura bread, which is perfect for scooping up the creamy fava beans and balancing the bitterness of the chicory.
Serving Tips
- This dish is best enjoyed warm, making it an ideal comfort food for colder months.
- For an authentic touch, pair with a glass of dry white wine or a light red wine from the Apulia region.
Enjoy the soulful simplicity of Fave e Cicorie Selvatiche, a dish that brings the heart of Italian countryside cooking to your table. It’s wholesome, nourishing, and deeply satisfying!
