When spring rolls in, there’s no mistaking the arrival of fava beans—also known as broad beans—in markets and gardens across Italy. Paired with mint, these vibrant green legumes are transformed into a pesto that’s silky, herbal, and utterly refreshing.
Fava Bean Pesto with Mint is a staple in many Southern Italian kitchens, especially in Sicily and Apulia, where these beans are celebrated for their versatility and nutrition. This pesto is sweet, grassy, and slightly nutty, balanced by the brightness of fresh mint and the richness of olive oil and cheese.
Let’s explore how to make this vivid green sauce from scratch, how to customize it, and the best ways to enjoy it—on everything from pasta and crostini to meats and salads.
Why Fava Beans Make a Fantastic Pesto Base
1. Naturally Creamy and Sweet
• Fava beans have a buttery, starchy texture when cooked
• Their subtle sweetness makes them ideal for pesto
2. High in Protein and Fiber
• A great plant-based source of protein
• Keeps you fuller longer—ideal for hearty vegetarian meals
3. Seasonal Freshness
• Available fresh in late spring and early summer
• Can also be made with frozen fava beans when out of season
Fava Bean Pesto with Mint Ingredients
This recipe relies on the fresh, vibrant balance between beans, herbs, and fat.
1. Fava Beans
• Shelled, blanched, and peeled
• Use about 1 cup of shelled beans for one batch
2. Fresh Mint
• Brightens the earthy sweetness of favas
• Use spearmint for best results
3. Cheese
• Pecorino Romano for saltiness and bite
• Parmigiano Reggiano for nuttier, gentler notes
4. Garlic
• Use sparingly—favas are mild
• Roasted garlic works well if you want less sharpness
5. Nuts (Optional)
• Traditionally nut-free, but you can add:
• Almonds
• Pine nuts
• Walnuts
• Adds body and richness, especially for pasta
6. Olive Oil
• A light, fruity EVOO is ideal
• Helps emulsify and elevate the flavors
7. Lemon Juice and Zest
• Cuts through starch and richness
• Keeps the pesto bright and balanced
How to Make Fava Bean Mint Pesto – Step-by-Step
Ingredients:
• 1 cup shelled, blanched, and peeled fava beans
• ¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano (or Parmigiano)
• 10–12 mint leaves
• 1 small garlic clove
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more to loosen)
• Zest and juice of ½ lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts or almonds
Instructions:
1. Blanch shelled fava beans in boiling water for 3 minutes; transfer to ice bath
2. Peel the outer skins from each bean (a little labor, a lot of reward)
3. In a food processor, pulse garlic, mint, and nuts (if using)
4. Add fava beans, cheese, lemon zest, and juice; pulse until chunky
5. Drizzle in olive oil while blending to form a smooth paste
6. Taste and season with salt and pepper
7. Adjust consistency with more olive oil or a splash of pasta water
Flavor Profile – Creamy, Sweet, Herbaceous, and Bright
This pesto is:
• Soft and smooth in texture
• Fresh and grassy from mint and beans
• Lightly nutty and tangy
• Perfectly seasonal, with springtime energy in every bite
Best Ways to Use Fava Bean Mint Pesto
Pasta Pairings:
• Orecchiette or trofie—shapes that hold the creamy pesto well
• Toss with fresh spring peas or sautéed asparagus tips
• Top with burrata or ricotta for added indulgence
Appetizers and Spreads:
• Serve on crostini with a shaving of Pecorino
• Spread on toast with a poached egg
• Use as a dip with fresh radishes, carrots, or snap peas
Grain and Bean Salads:
• Stir into farro or bulgur with roasted cherry tomatoes
• Add to chickpea salads with feta and arugula
• Spoon over warm white beans or lentils
Meat and Seafood:
• Pair with grilled lamb, chicken thighs, or pork tenderloin
• Spoon over pan-seared scallops or grilled shrimp
Storage Tips
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Add a layer of olive oil on top to preserve freshness
• Not ideal for freezing—mint and fava beans lose their vibrancy
• Re-blend with a splash of lemon juice if dull after storage
Variations and Customizations
Vegan Version:
• Omit cheese and add:
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• ½ tsp white miso for umami
Nut-Free Traditional Version:
• Skip nuts entirely (as often done in Southern Italy)
• Add 1 extra tablespoon of cheese or olive oil for body
Herb Variations:
• Mix in parsley for a more robust, herbal pesto
• Use basil if mint is too strong for your taste
A Spring Pesto with Italian Soul
Fava Bean and Mint Pesto is what happens when seasonal simplicity meets Italian ingenuity. It’s rustic yet elegant, sweet yet savory, and just unusual enough to surprise your guests without losing the comfort of pesto’s classic soul.
Whether spread on toast or spooned into warm pasta, this is a fresh take on tradition that celebrates the brief but beautiful season of fava beans.
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