Introducing a cherished family recipe that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds – Portuguese Fava Beans! Bursting with robust flavors and steeped in tradition, this dish is perfect for gatherings, whether it’s a festive Christmas celebration or a joyous birthday party. 🎉🍽️
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 5 cans of fava beans
- 5 1/2 tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 onions, large and cut
- 1 cup oil
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tbsp parsley, heaping
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 can tomato paste
- 1 1/2 tsp white wine vinegar
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fava Beans:
- In a Dutch oven, combine the fava beans with 1 1/2 tablespoons of crushed red pepper flakes and 1 large clove of crushed garlic.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Stir occasionally and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onions:
- In a large frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the cut onions, 2 cloves of crushed garlic, 4 tablespoons of crushed red pepper flakes, 2 heaping tablespoons of parsley, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Sauté the onions until they are almost tender.
3. Add Tomato Paste and Vinegar:
- Once the onions are almost tender, add the can of tomato paste and 1 1/2 teaspoons of white wine vinegar to the pan.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 10 minutes, or until the onions are completely cooked.
4. Combine and Heat:
- Add the sautéed onion mixture to the cooked fava beans in the Dutch oven.
- Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Heat the combined mixture thoroughly, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
5. Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your Portuguese Fava Beans hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
- These beans pair wonderfully with crusty bread or alongside a hearty main dish.
- Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors with your loved ones and relish in the joy of shared meals and cherished memories.
Recipe Notes:
- Variation: If using dry beans, be sure to soak and pre-cook them until tender before incorporating them into the recipe.
- Make-Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving, making it a convenient option for entertaining.
- Customization: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to deepen even further over time.
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this Portuguese-inspired dish, a true crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple at your family gatherings and celebrations! 🎉🍲
