Broad beans, also known as fava beans, tic beans and field beans, regretfully, is not as popular in the Unites States as it deserve to be, even though its been mentioned in a variety of media and cookbooks. A remarkably well-traveled plant which is found in various types of southeast Asian recipes as well as a common ingredient in North African cuisines, these beans can be eaten in so many ways and has versatile functions in the different types of dishes it can be used in.



Broad bean is a main ingredient is a very tasty Greek dish. Broad beans, olive oil, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste and spring onions, as well as sugar, salt, pepper and dill to taste, are the ingredient for cooking Koukia. While the broad bean are being washed and cleaned in water, onions are roasted in heated oil.

The beans and all of the other ingredients are added, along with a little water, and they are all cooked until the entire dish is soft. This is a great dish to serve either on its own or with a side order of pita bread, which can bring out the complexity of the tastes that are involved.

The different varieties of broad beans are young and tender when they are usually eaten, sometimes fried, they are also eaten gently steamed and soft. The beans will split open when fried, which is where it got its Thai name which is descriptive of its nature meaning, the "open-mouth nut'. Salted or spiced, the fried broad beans acts as a scrumptious snack when you're on the go. To help bring out the weak taste in other other food items, broad beans are an ideal complement to special events or as a side dish.

Perfect when eaten fresh, the beans are also an excellent way to complete a serving of food. Having them with salty cheese or if you're into more solid types, like parmesan, this will give it a more continental style. Another tasty way of having them is by simply sprinkling a light layer of salt and pepper.

The beans can also be stewed in a pot with butter and oil after their skin is removed by cooking them in water. Seasoning the dish with herbs like parsley, mint, basil and thyme is a good way of mixing it up but it has to be done carefully as to not overpower the beans.

If you want to add a little bit of protein in your diet, broad beans are a great way to do that, and finding a way to integrate these delicious indulgence will be a tasty accompaniment to your dishes!