Learn to shell, cook, and peel fresh fava beans with this easy step-by-step guide. I will share with you everything you need to know regarding how to grow, prepare fresh fava beans, and use them in recipes. They may seem intimidating but once you know how to cook with fresh fava beans, you will be happy to have them often.
For each pod, grab the stem end and snap the end back. This should expose the end and help the pod start to split down the seem. You may need to pull a bit on the seem to expose the beans within the pods. Remove all the beans and dispose of the empty pods.
Start a kettle on the stove to boil water. If you do not have a kettle, heat water in a pot or in the microwave in a microwave-safe container. You want the water to be boiling hot. Once the water is ready it is time to pour it over the fava beans.Place shelled fave beans in any heat-safe container. Make sure the container is large enough to submerge the beans in boiling hot water and have them at least covered by at least 4 oz of additional water.
Next, drain the hot water from the fava beans. Fill a large bowl with ice cubes and some cold water. Now shock the fava beans so they stop cooking by plunging them into the ice water bath. Let them sit in the cold water for about 5 minutes. The skins should start to wrinkle a bit as they start to shrivel. This will allow them to peel easily.
To peel using your fingernails poke gently as the white outer skin. Once you have exposed the bright green inner bean, the peels should slide right off.
Store cooked fresh fava beans in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.