How to Make Favas with Tiny Pasta Beans and Grains
Favas are a popular Mediterranean dish that can be made with various ingredients such as chickpeas, beans, or lentils. In this recipe, we will use tiny pasta beans and grains to create a delicious and healthy meal. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of tiny pasta beans or grains (such as quinoa or amaranth)
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 cup of shelled favas (or chickpeas, beans, or lentils)
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the tiny pasta beans or grains thoroughly to remove any excess starch. Drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil. Add the tiny pasta beans or grains and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until tender.
3. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the favas. Shell them if necessary (if using chickpeas or lentils, skip this step). In a small pan, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 minced garlic clove and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Add the favas to the pan with the garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they are heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the pan with the favas. Toss gently to combine.
6. Serve the favas with tiny pasta beans and grains hot or cold, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro. You can also top it with a sprinkle of lemon juice and zest for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips:
- If you don't have vegetable broth on hand, you can use water instead. Just make sure to season with salt and pepper to taste.
- You can substitute the tiny pasta beans or grains with any other type of pasta or grain that you prefer.
- This dish is perfect for meal prep as it stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stove when you're ready to eat.
- Don't skip the step of shelling the favas if using chickpeas or lentils. It may take a bit of extra time, but it will give your dish a more authentic Mediterranean flavor.