How lovely to have you back here, dear friends of Paulina Cocina! Broad beans with ham are prized for being a flavorful and seasonal dish. The combination of tender broad beans with the salty, smoky flavor of ham creates a harmony of flavors that is highly valued in Spanish cuisine.
As we already know, in Spain there's a KM 0 movement that encourages the consumption and production of seasonal products. The fresh broad beans used in this dish are typically available during spring and summer, so broad beans with ham are considered a seasonal dish in Spain . Broad beans have nutritional benefits and are highly adaptable to various preparations. Let's learn a little about them and the delicious recipe for broad beans with ham .
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About broad beans with ham
How can you eat broad beans, other than in scrambled eggs with ham?
- Fresh raw fava beans : Some people enjoy fresh raw fava beans, especially if they are young and tender. They can be added to salads, crudité platters, or even eaten alone as a snack.
- Cooked broad beans : Cooking broad beans is a common way to prepare them. They can be boiled in salted water for a few minutes until tender. Once cooked, they can be served as a side dish, mixed into rice or pasta dishes, or added to salads.
- Sautéed Fava Beans : Sautéing fava beans in a pan with a little olive oil and seasoning is another delicious option. This gives them a slightly caramelized flavor and a more tender texture. They can be combined with other sautéed vegetables, added to scrambled eggs , or served as a side dish.
- Puréed Fava Beans : Another popular way to eat fava beans is to make them into puree. After cooking, they can be mashed or blended in a food processor to achieve a smooth consistency. Puréed fava beans can be seasoned with spices, herbs, or even cheese to enhance the flavor.
You can also use them for various dishes such as Cooked Green Bean Salad or Vegetable Stew .
How is it best to eat broad beans?
Nutritionally speaking, eating fresh, raw fava beans preserves most of their nutrients, as they are not subjected to heat or processing. Eating them raw maximizes their vitamin C and some B vitamins.
If you want to maximize the absorption of iron found in fava beans (the type of iron found in vegetables), you can combine them with foods rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C helps improve iron absorption.
Origin of the recipe for broad beans with ham
The origin of the recipe for broad beans with ham dates back to traditional Spanish cuisine and has a long history in the country's gastronomy. Although there is no specific documented history of its origin, it is known that several influences have contributed to the creation of this dish.
Broad beans are an ancient and versatile ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine. Their cultivation dates back to ancient times, and they are believed to have been consumed by civilizations such as the Romans and Greeks. The combination with ham likely stems from Spanish culinary tradition, where ham is a widely used and appreciated ingredient.
Serrano ham , which includes the broad beans and ham recipe, is a Spanish specialty obtained from pigs raised on the Iberian Peninsula. The ham is cured for a long period, giving it an intense, salty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the tender broad beans.
Broad beans with ham in Spanish gastronomy
In Spain, especially in the Castile and León region, broad beans with ham have become a classic and emblematic dish of the local cuisine . This region is known for its production of high-quality broad beans, and the dish has been passed down from generation to generation as a traditional recipe.
Today, broad beans with ham are enjoyed throughout Spain and have gained international popularity as a showcase of Spanish cuisine. The combination of the savory flavors of the ham and the sweetness of the broad beans creates a balance of flavors that has won over the palates of many food lovers.
Habas recipe with ham
This dish is very simple to make, and you just need to keep one thing in mind: avoid overcooking the beans. They take approximately 10 minutes to cook, or until tender but still retain their texture.
Yield : 4 portions
Preparation time : 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 500g of fresh broad beans (can be frozen or fresh)
- 150g of Serrano or Iberian ham, cut into small pieces
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make broad beans with ham
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Add the beans and cook for about 10 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. When golden brown, add the Serrano or Iberian ham to the pan. Sauté for a few minutes.
- Add the cooked beans to the pan and mix well. Cook everything together for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper and remove from heat. Garnish with a little chopped parsley, if desired.
