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Molded Fava Bean Puree with Dill

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  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: Makes 4 cups
  • HEALTHY
  • MAKE-AHEAD
  • VEGETARIAN

The dried split fava beans are cooked until they become an ultra-creamy puree that can be molded. Serve as a spread with warmed pita bread.

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  1. 1 1/2 cups dried split fava beans (9 ounces), picked over and rinsed
  2. 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  3. 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  4. 1 quart water
  5. Salt and freshly ground pepper
  6. 1/2 cup chopped dill
  7. 1/4 cup chopped scallions
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the fava beans with the onion, 1/4 cup of olive oil and the water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the fava beans are falling apart, about 1 hour; as the beans thicken, toward the end of cooking, stir more frequently to prevent sticking.
  2. Pass the bean mixture through a coarse sieve into a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and stir in 1/4 cup of the dill. Lightly oil a 4-cup soufflé dish or bowl and scrape in the fava bean puree; smooth the surface. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours or overnight.
  3. To unmold the bean puree, invert the soufflé dish onto a large plate and shake to release the puree. Drizzle the puree with olive oil and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of dill and the scallions.
Make Ahead The molded fava bean puree can be refrigerated for 2 days. Notes 1/4-Cup Serving Calories 89 kcal, Total Fat 3.6 gm, Saturated Fat 0.5 gm, Protein 4 gm, Carbohydrates 10 gm.