Saturday, 24 July 2010

Broad beans...

Yesterday I got, amongst other things, broad beans in my vegetable box.  I have had them a couple of times this year already and I have been trying to find the most successful way to use them.  For some reason, I don't really like them on their own as a vegetable on my dinner plate. 




I tried a Jamie Oliver bruschetta thing, but wasn't sure about that so today I have podded them  - a job that I find hugely satisfying.  I love the way the beans are nestled in their velvety pods, it almost seems mean to disturb them.





It is one of those little tasks that you can while away the time doing, allowing your mind to drift into daydreams of other things...



Then I cooked them for 5 minutes in some salted boiling water until just tender then immediately ran them under cold water to stop them from cooking further.  I definitely think it is worth then spending a few minutes more popping them from their skins to enjoy the full flavour.



I am going to make a salad with these - adding some crunchy radish and orange pepper, some mint and coriander,  together with a splash of extra virgin olive oil and some lemon juice.  It is my turn for the family lunch tomorrow so I can see whether or not this is the way forward with broad beans.

How do you like yours?
Posted by at
Labels:

10 comments:

  1. dottycookie24 July 2010 at 21:10

    I like mine as is - but I agree about skinning them. the best way was straight from the bush ... then they were even good raw!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lyn24 July 2010 at 21:12

    I once made a bean flan/quiche with them in, I can't remember the recipe though!
    love
    Lyn
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  3. sew obsessed24 July 2010 at 21:52

    I love them out of their skins and tossed with some cooked bacon with a little olive oil and some feta cheese.
    Hope you find a recipe you like.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Simone24 July 2010 at 22:52

    The salad recipe sounds delicious. I would probably use them in a cold pasta salad with maybe some chopped ham etc included.

    ReplyDelete
  5. kristina25 July 2010 at 00:15

    I totally agree with you about the funny sense of satisfaction you get from podding them then popping them out of their skins :)

    And I agree with Val--I like them just as is (with lots of butter)!

    K x

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ali25 July 2010 at 10:19

    Nice with pasta, slipped out of their grey inners and with lots of bacon or pancetta and a little ceam or creme fraiche.

    I also made a Sarah Raven broad bean puree to have on bruschetta which I liked - recipe here
    http://domesticali.typepad.com/domesticali/2008/06/broad-beans-are-sleeping-in-a-blankety-bed.html

    ReplyDelete
  7. love those cupcakes25 July 2010 at 12:38

    Like you, I'm not fond of them on their own. I did try them in a pasta dish recently but it was rather bland and not worth the effort so I won't share the recipe. Your salad idea sounds delicious, though.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous25 July 2010 at 20:21

    broad bean frittata - a little pancetta or smokey bacon if you have it - delicious. or a fabulous broad bean and herby salad - good olive oil and crusty bread.

    ReplyDelete
  9. alice c25 July 2010 at 21:54

    Risotto.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Locket Pocket25 July 2010 at 22:59

    That sounds delish! I love broad beans - but not raw like Dottycookie! Yak! Lucy x

    ReplyDelete

Hi! Thanks for leaving me a comment, I really enjoy reading them and I will try to reply if I can find an email address for you...

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)