Fave

FAVE FRESCHE CON PANCETTA
Fresh Fava Beans with Pancetta

4 lbs. fresh fava beans
1 tbs. oil
1/4 lb. pancetta, diced
1 cup beef broth
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 celery stalk, sliced
salt
pepper
2 tbs. parsley, chopped

Pod the fava beans (remove the skin if they are very big). Put the pancetta, the onion and the celery in a saucepan to sauté with the oil, stirring frequently. When the fat of the pancetta has melted, add the fava beans, moisten with hot broth and carry on cooking. When the fava beans are completely done (about 20 min.), add salt and pepper and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Fresh peas can be prepared the same way.

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FAVE STUFATE
Braised Fava Beans

2 lbs. fresh fava beans
1 cup beef broth
2 tbs. prosciutto fat
6 slices stale bread
2 new onions, finely sliced
2 tbs. butter
1 oz. mortadella
salt
pepper

Pod the fava beans and set aside. Place the chopped prosciutto fat and the onion in a casserole and sauté till tender but not brown. Add the fava beans, chopped mortadella and the beef broth. Salt and pepper to taste. Cover the casserole and cook over low flame for 45 mins, adding more broth if necessary. The final dish should be fairly moist.

Sauté the slices of bread in butter, browning on both sides. Place them on a serving platter and pour over the fava beans. Serve very hot.