Thanks to their bold color and delicate flavor, fava beans are best used simply, say Berens and Welsh.
1. Gently sautéed and tossed in herb butter
2. Blistered in a hot pan with olive oil and crunchy salt
3. Blitzed in the food processor to make a dip
4. Steamed and mixed into rice or pasta
5. Served over creamy cheese, such as burrata or ricotta
For a party snack, Berens will make deviled eggs and top them with a mixture of roughly chopped blanched fava beans and tapenade. "Fava beans and olives go really well together. It's simple, but so, so good," she says.
Grilling Fava Beans
"My favorite thing to do with fava beans is to serve them as an appetizer, grilling them in their large, spongy pods and serving them whole, allowing your guests to peel them as part of the party," Berens. "The moisture in the pod steams the internal beans and you still get some of the smoky quality from the grill. It is fun and interactive, and you've outsourced the labor-win, win."