15 Greek Broad Bean Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Apr 2, 2024
The Greek cuisine is known for its use of fresh, simple and wholesome ingredients, and the broad bean recipe is no exception. This nutritious and delicious legume has been a staple in Greek cooking for centuries, and it's no surprise why. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, the broad bean is not only a versatile ingredient but also a healthy one. In this article, we will explore the history of this traditional Greek dish and share a mouth-watering recipe for you to try at home.
Main Ingredients: Toasted Pine Nuts, Garlic Cloves, Lemon, Broad Beans
If you're looking for a tasty twist on the classic Italian pesto, try making it with broad beans instead of traditional pine nuts. The result is a creamy and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta or spread on toast for a quick and easy appetizer. Simply blend together cooked broad beans, olive oil, garlic, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil for a delicious and unique pesto that will impress your taste buds.
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Broad Bean Dip
Main Ingredients: Broad Beans, Lemon Juice, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Broad beans make a perfect base for dips and spreads, adding a creamy texture and nutty flavor. To make a simple broad bean dip, blend together cooked broad beans, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil until smooth. Serve with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for a nutritious and delicious snack or appetizer.
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Broad Bean Puree
Main Ingredients: Broad Beans, Butter, Single Cream, Fresh Mint Leaves
If you're looking for a flavorful and healthy side dish, try making a broad bean puree. Simply blend together cooked broad beans, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs of your choice for a creamy and delicious puree that pairs well with grilled meats or roasted vegetables. You can also use it as a spread for sandwiches or wraps.
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Broad Bean Stew
Main Ingredients: Broad Beans, Onions, Garlic, Oil, Ground Black Pepper
For a hearty and satisfying meal, try making a broad bean stew. Start by sautéing onion, garlic, and carrots in a pot, then add in cooked broad beans, vegetable broth, canned tomatoes, and herbs and spices of your choice. Let it simmer until the flavors have melded together and serve with crusty bread for a comforting and nutritious meal.
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Doubanjiang | Broad Bean Paste
Main Ingredients: Broad Beans, Wheat Flour, White Wine, Salt, Chili
Doubanjiang, also known as broad bean paste, is a staple ingredient in Chinese cuisine. Made from fermented broad beans, chili peppers, and soybeans, this paste adds a rich and savory flavor to dishes like stir-fries, noodles, and soups. You can easily make your own at home or find it in most Asian grocery stores.
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Broad Bean & Feta Frittata
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Egg Yolks, Creme Fraiche, Broad Beans, Frozen
Broad beans and feta cheese make a delicious combination in this easy and versatile frittata recipe. Simply sauté cooked broad beans with spinach and onion, pour in whisked eggs and crumbled feta, and bake until golden and set. Serve for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a side salad for a complete and wholesome meal.
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Broad Bean Dip (Foul Mudammas)
Main Ingredients: Broad Beans, Onion, Bay Leaves, Ground Cumin, Garlic
Foul Mudammas is a popular Middle Eastern dip made with mashed broad beans, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and cumin. It's typically served as a breakfast dish, but can also be enjoyed as a snack or side dish. Top with chopped tomatoes, cilantro, and feta cheese for added flavor and texture.
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Tomato and Broad Bean Pasta
Main Ingredients: Oil, Garlic, Onion, Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato, Spinach
If you're in need of a quick and easy weeknight meal, try making this tomato and broad bean pasta. Simply sauté garlic and cherry tomatoes in olive oil, then add in cooked broad beans and pasta of your choice. Toss everything together and top with fresh herbs and parmesan cheese for a simple yet delicious dinner.
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Broad Bean & Spring Greens Falafel
Main Ingredients: Broad Beans, Spring Greens, Tahini, Garlic, Lemon
Falafel gets a nutritious twist with the addition of broad beans and spring greens. Simply blend together cooked broad beans, chickpeas, spinach, herbs and spices, and form into small patties. Fry until crispy and serve in a pita or over a salad with tzatziki sauce for a tasty and satisfying meal.
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Broad Bean and Bacon Risotto
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Broad Beans, Butter, Onion, Rashers
For a comforting and flavorful meal, try making a risotto with broad beans and bacon. Sauté onion, garlic, and bacon in a pot, then add in risotto rice and wine. Slowly add in chicken broth and cooked broad beans until the rice is cooked and creamy. Top with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Broad Bean Salsa with Salmon
Main Ingredients: Salmon, Coconut Oil, Broad Beans, Cucumber, Red Onion
This refreshing and flavorful salsa pairs perfectly with grilled or baked salmon. Simply combine diced avocado, tomato, red onion, and cooked broad beans in a bowl. Drizzle with a lemon juice and olive oil dressing and top with dill for a light and healthy meal.
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Broad Bean, Mint & Ricotta Bruschette
Main Ingredients: Broad Beans, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Lemon, Mint
These bruschette make a perfect appetizer or snack with a glass of wine. Toast slices of bread, then top with a mixture of mashed broad beans, ricotta cheese, and fresh mint. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper for a simple yet delicious bite.
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Broad Bean Soup with Smoked Salmon
Main Ingredients: Smoked Salmon, Broad Beans, Frozen Green Peas, Cream
This creamy and flavorful soup is perfect for a chilly day. Sauté onion and garlic in a pot, then add in cooked broad beans and vegetable broth. Let it simmer until the beans are soft, then blend until smooth. Serve topped with smoked salmon, dill, and a dollop of sour cream for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Satay Mushroom, Broad Bean and Broccoli
Main Ingredients: Mushrooms, Broccoli, Broad Beans, Brown Rice, Satay
This stir fry is packed with flavor and nutrients. Sauté garlic and ginger in a wok, then add in sliced mushrooms, broccoli, and cooked broad beans. Drizzle with a homemade satay sauce made with peanut butter, soy sauce, and honey. Serve over rice for a satisfying and healthy meal.
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Broad Bean, Pea and Mint Dip
Main Ingredients: Broad Beans, Peas, Lemon, Fresh Mint, Olive Oil, Salt
This vibrant and flavorful dip is perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Simply blend together cooked broad beans, peas, mint, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth. Serve with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for a colorful and delicious appetizer.
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Broad Bean Stir Fry / Avaraikai Poriyal
Main Ingredients: Broad Beans, Onion, Grated Coconut, Red Chillies
This South Indian style stir fry is a tasty and nutritious side dish. Sauté mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves in a pan, then add in cooked broad beans and spices like turmeric and chili powder. Cook until the beans are slightly crispy and season with salt. Serve with rice or roti for a complete meal.
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Broad bean and Spinach dip
Main Ingredients: Broad Beans, Spinach, Lemon Juice, Tahini, Salt, Extra
This creamy and flavorful dip is perfect for parties or as a snack. Simply blend together cooked broad beans, spinach, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth. Serve with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for a healthy and delicious dip.
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Broad Bean and Feta Salad
Main Ingredients: Broad Beans, Feta Cheese, Kalamata Olives, Oregano
This refreshing and satisfying salad is perfect for summer. Toss together cooked broad beans, cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese in a bowl. Drizzle with a dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs for a simple yet delicious salad.
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Broad Bean And Ricotta Tarts
Main Ingredients: Frozen Puff Pastry, Egg, Broad Beans, Mascarpone
These mini tarts make a perfect appetizer or snack. Roll out puff pastry and cut into circles. Top with a mixture of cooked broad beans, ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and fresh herbs. Bake until golden and serve warm for a tasty and impressive dish.
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Broccoli and Broad Bean Risotto
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Arborio Rice, Dry White Wine
For a nutritious and flavorful twist on risotto, try making it with broccoli and broad beans. Sauté onion and garlic in a pot, then add in risotto rice and wine. Slowly add in vegetable broth and cooked broccoli and broad beans until the rice is cooked and creamy. Top with parmesan cheese for a delicious and wholesome meal.
The History of Greek Broad Bean Recipe
Origins of the Broad Bean
The broad bean, also known as fava bean, has been cultivated in Greece since ancient times. It is believed that the ancient Greeks were the first to domesticate this legume, and it quickly became a staple in their diet. They were known to use broad beans in various dishes, from soups and stews to pies and casseroles.
Significance in Greek Culture
In Greek mythology, the broad bean was considered a sacred food and was often offered as a sacrifice to the gods. It was also believed to have healing powers and was used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Modern-Day Greek Broad Bean Recipe
Today, the broad bean is still widely used in Greek cuisine, and the traditional recipe has been passed down from generation to generation. It is a popular dish during the spring season when the beans are in season and at their freshest.
How to Make Authentic Greek Broad Bean Recipe
To make this traditional Greek dish, you will need the following ingredients:
Broad beans - 500g
Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
Garlic cloves - 2, minced
Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
Tomato paste - 1 tablespoon
Water - 1 cup
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add chopped onions and minced garlic and cook until softened.
Add the broad beans and stir until they are coated with the onion and garlic mixture.
Add the tomato paste and water, stirring until well combined.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cover the pot and let the beans simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender.
Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve this delicious and nutritious Greek broad bean recipe as a side dish or as a main course with some crusty bread. You can also add some crumbled feta cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor.
In conclusion, the Greek broad bean recipe is not only a delicious and comforting dish, but it also holds a significant place in Greek culture and history. So why not try making this authentic recipe at home and experience the flavors of Greece in your own kitchen? Your taste buds will thank you.