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Tapas with broad bean purée

⏱ 20 min🍳 7 min👤 4 pp★★★☆☆

Man does not live by bread alone, as you might say when confronted with irresistible delicacies, the kind that you nibble on when starting off a lovely evening with an aperitif in the company of a few friends, enjoying a nice cold beer or a lovely sparkling wine. Today we are offering you one of those irresistible recipes that help to stimulate the appetite as only tapas can: these Spanish specialties, in fact, are increasingly enjoyed in Italy as well as Spain, and are the perfect entrée for a dinner party which displays some attention to detail. The only thing not to neglect is to season your tapas with imagination, adding your personal touch, letting yourself be inspired by your culinary instincts - and, if you wish, following the example of our chef who created these delicious and original tapas.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 280 kcal / serving
Protein
10g
Carbohydrates
32g
Fat
12g
Fiber
6g

* approximate values per serving

Information
20 minutes Preparation time
7 minutes Cooking time
Serves 4 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Slice a baguette and brown it in a frying pan. Blanch half a kilo of broad beans in boiling water. When cooled, peel each bean one by one. Finely chop a quarter of onion, sauté in a pan, add then add the beans. Blitz the beans with an immersion blender, add the juice of half a lemon, a pinch of cumin powder, salt and pepper, and a dash of water. Transfer the mixture back into the frying pan for five minutes. Spread the tapas with the purée.

Tips
Please make sure you buy some good quality beans, bearing in mind that they should be completely intact, without any kind of marking on the skin. When you split them open, you should hear a clear sound, like a ‘snap’.
Trivia
In the past, in ancient Greece, broad beans did not enjoy a good reputation: they were actually defined as ‘food of the dead’, and as such were often served during funerals.

Step by step

Broad beans
Broad beans
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Tapas with fava bean puree and toasted bread

A delicious variation of tapas is the one that uses fava bean puree spread on toasted bread crostini. To achieve a perfect result, choose a good homemade bread that can hold the creamy consistency of the puree. After preparing the fava bean puree following the basic recipe, generously spread the mixture on the toasted bread slices. You can also garnish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper to enhance the flavors. This version is ideal for an appetizer or a tasty starter, perfect for sharing with company. The tapas with fava bean puree and toasted bread can be customized with the addition of aromatic herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, for a touch of freshness and aroma.

Spanish-style tapas with fava bean puree

Tapas are a symbol of Spanish cuisine, and the preparation with fava bean puree is one of the most appreciated. In Spain, tapas are often served in small portions to be shared among friends and family. This recipe, which combines tradition with fresh and genuine ingredients, represents a great opportunity to savor the flavors of Iberian cuisine. To give an authentic touch, you can add a bit of smoked paprika to the fava bean puree, making the dish even more aromatic. Serve the tapas on a beautiful ceramic plate, accompanied by a good Spanish red wine, for a gastronomic experience reminiscent of the tapas bars in Madrid or Barcelona.

Light and gluten-free tapas with fava bean puree

For those looking for a lighter option, tapas with fava bean puree can be prepared in a light and gluten-free version. Using fresh fava beans and natural ingredients, this dish becomes an excellent choice for those following a healthy diet. Replace traditional bread with rice cakes or raw vegetables like carrots and cucumbers, ideal for dipping into the puree. Additionally, to reduce calories, you can limit the oil in the puree emulsion while still maintaining good flavor thanks to lemon juice and cumin. This variant is perfect for those who are health-conscious, without sacrificing the taste and conviviality of tapas.

Nutritional benefits of fava beans: a superfood not to be underestimated

Fava beans, the main ingredient of the tapas with puree, are a legume rich in nutrients and health benefits. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and B vitamins, which support metabolism and the nervous system. Additionally, they contain antioxidants that help combat free radicals in our bodies. With about 88 calories per 100 grams, fava beans are a light and filling food, ideal for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. Incorporating fava beans into your diet can help improve heart health and regulate blood sugar levels, making fava bean puree not only a tasty dish but also nutritious.

Can tapas with fava bean puree be stored?

If you are wondering whether it is possible to store tapas with fava bean puree, the answer is yes, but with some precautions. It is advisable to store the fava bean puree separately from the bread to avoid the latter becoming soggy. You can place the puree in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for 2-3 days. Before serving, you can reuse it by gently reheating it in a pan or microwave. The slices of bread, on the other hand, can be stored in a paper bag to keep them crispy. This way, you can enjoy your tapas even days after preparation, without compromising the flavor and freshness of the dish.