Fava Bean Stew with Chorizo and Smoked Paprika

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) dried fava beans 2 cups (400g) dried fava beans
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 4 ounces (115g) chorizo, sliced 4 ounces (115g) chorizo, sliced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 6g
• Protein: 16g
• 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 onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
3. 3.
   Add the chorizo slices to the pot and cook until they release their oils and become slightly crispy.
4. 4.
   Stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, and bay leaf. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
5. 5.
   Add the soaked fava beans and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Serve the Fava Bean Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chorizo — Choose a high-quality chorizo for the best flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, opt for a sweet or mild variety instead of spicy.
• Smoked paprika — Look for Spanish smoked paprika (pimentón) for an authentic taste. If unavailable, regular paprika can be used as a substitute, but it won't provide the same smoky flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, omit the chorizo and add smoked paprika to enhance the smoky flavor.
• Serve the stew with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• If using canned fava beans, reduce the cooking time to 30 minutes.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of smoked paprika and adding chili flakes if desired.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for an even more flavorful meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Fava Bean Stew as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

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 stew to shine through.