Fava Parada with a Shaanxi Twist

Ingredients

In the original Portuguese Fava Parada, the dish is typically made with fresh fava beans and flavored with ingredients like chorizo and bay leaves. However, in this adapted Shaanxi version, dried fava beans are used instead, and the dish is infused with Shaanxi spices such as star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, and dried chili peppers. These changes give the dish a distinct Shaanxi flavor profile while still maintaining the heartiness and creaminess of the original. We alse have the original recipe for Fava parada, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) dried fava beans 2 cups (400g) dried fava beans
• 6 cups (1.4L) water 6 cups (1.4L) water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 dried chili peppers, chopped 2 dried chili peppers, chopped
• 2 star anise pods 2 star anise pods
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 5g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 16g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the dried fava beans and soak them in water overnight. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and golden.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped dried chili peppers, star anise pods, Sichuan peppercorns, ground cumin, and ground coriander to the pot. Stir well to combine and toast the spices for a minute.
4. 4.
   Add the soaked fava beans to the pot and pour in the water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the fava beans are tender.
5. 5.
   Season with salt and adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
6. 6.
   Serve the Fava Parada with a Shaanxi Twist hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dried Fava Beans — Soaking the dried fava beans overnight is essential to soften them and reduce the cooking time. If you're short on time, you can also use a pressure cooker to cook the beans more quickly.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add more dried chili peppers or a pinch of chili flakes.
• Serve the Fava Parada with crusty bread or steamed rice to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Fava Parada with a Shaanxi Twist as a main course, accompanied by crusty bread or steamed rice. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish alongside other Shaanxi-inspired dishes.

Presentation advice

Serve the Fava Parada in individual bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro. The vibrant colors of the dish, with the red chili peppers and green cilantro, will make it visually appealing.