Fava Bean Puree With Chicory And Crispy Pancetta

Fava Bean Puree with Chicory and Crispy Pancetta is a classic dish from Pugliese cuisine, featuring the earthy flavors of fava beans, the bitter bite of chicory, and the savory crunch of crispy pancetta. This recipe is perfect for a light and flavorful appetizer or a side dish to accompany a main course.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Appetizer Pugliese Italian Vegetarian
Fava Bean Puree With Chicory And Crispy Pancetta

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shelled fava beans
  • 1 head chicory, chopped
  • 4 ounces pancetta, diced
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the fava beans for 2 minutes. Drain and transfer to a bowl of ice water to cool. Peel off the tough outer skin of the fava beans and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, cook the diced pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Remove the pancetta from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
  3. Add the olive oil to the skillet with the rendered pancetta fat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
  4. Add the chopped chicory to the skillet and sauté until wilted, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the peeled fava beans to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Transfer the cooked fava beans and chicory to a food processor and puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Transfer the fava bean puree to a serving dish and top with the crispy pancetta. Serve warm.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
25 minutes
Total time:
45 minutes
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
250 per serving
Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
10g

Supplies

Large pot Skillet Food processor

Tools

Knife Cutting board Wooden spoon

Serving suggestions

Serve the Fava Bean Puree with Chicory and Crispy Pancetta as an appetizer with crusty bread or as a side dish alongside grilled fish or roasted chicken.

Tips & tricks

For a vegetarian version, you can omit the pancetta and use a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor.

Cost

$12