Fava Bean Stew with Ionian Island Flavors

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we infuse the original Portuguese fava bean stew with the distinct flavors of the Ionian Islands. We incorporate traditional Greek spices such as oregano and thyme, and add tanginess with the use of lemon juice. The dish is also enhanced with the addition of olives and feta cheese, which are common ingredients in Ionian Island cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Favas à algarvia, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) dried fava beans 2 cups (400g) dried fava beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 cup (150g) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved 1 cup (150g) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 200g feta cheese, crumbled 200g feta cheese, crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 6g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 12g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Soak the dried fava beans in water overnight. Drain and rinse.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the soaked fava beans to the pot and stir well.
4. 4.
   Pour in the diced tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
5. 5.
   Cover the pot and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the fava beans are tender.
6. 6.
   Stir in the lemon juice, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
7. 7.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the fava bean stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fava beans — Soaking the dried fava beans overnight helps to soften them and reduce the cooking time. Make sure to drain and rinse them before using.
• Kalamata olives — Choose high-quality Kalamata olives for their rich flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use green olives instead.
• Feta cheese — Opt for authentic Greek feta cheese for its creamy texture and tangy flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute it with a similar crumbly cheese like goat cheese.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika to the stew.
• Serve the fava bean stew with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the cooked fava beans before adding the olives and feta cheese.
• Feel free to customize the dish by adding other Mediterranean vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify.

Serving advice

Serve the fava bean stew as a main course, accompanied by a fresh Greek salad and warm pita bread. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled fish or roasted chicken.

Presentation advice

Garnish the fava bean stew with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in individual bowls or a large serving dish, allowing the vibrant colors of the ingredients to shine through.