<p>Broad beans, also known as fava beans, are in season in the UK from the end of June to the middle of September.</p><p>A member of the legume family, they have a pale green pod which, when cracked open, reveals a fleecy lining, home to the large, flattish beans. They’re also easy to grow from seed, yielding green pods of green or white beans that can be used in salads, soups, dips, pasta and risottos.</p><p>They’re also a good source of protein, carbohydrates and vitamins; for more information see our <a href="/glossary/broad-bean-glossary">broad bean glossary page</a>.</p><h2 id="how-to-cook-and-prepare-broad-beans-b0815e57">How to cook and prepare broad beans.</h2><p>To eat broad beans, you’ll need to remove their outer jackets first. Within this, broad beans also have a casing that can be tough and bitter, particularly once the beans are fully grown. It’s best to remove this as part of the preparation method – a process known as double-podding. Simply pinch each bean between your fingertips and squeeze; the vibrant green inner bean will pop free of its casing.</p>
<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2025/05/Double-podding-511353c.jpg" width="2849" height="1899" alt="Double podding" title="Double podding" />
<p>Double-podding takes a little time, but the sweet, fresh flavour of the beans inside makes it worthwhile.</p><p>If you’re in a hurry, the flavour of broad beans works harmoniously with other seasonal greens like asparagus or peas, so you can bulk out the quantities and save time on double-podding.</p>
<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2022/06/Pea-broad-bean-shakshuka-9cd88d3.jpg" width="3543" height="2362" alt="Skillet of greens and poached eggs" title="Pea-&-broad-bean-shakshuka" />
<h3 id="blanching-method-0dc7e127">Blanching method</h3><p>To make double-podding easier, try cooking the unpeeled beans in boiling water for two minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool them quickly, then use your nail to break into each bean and remove the tough skin.</p><h3 id="basic-broad-bean-recipe-a450ef20">Basic broad bean recipe</h3><p><strong>Serves 4</strong></p><ul><li>300g podded broad beans</li><li>4 tbsp olive oil</li><li>1 lemon, juiced</li><li>few mint leaves</li></ul><ol><li>Tip the podded beans into a pan of boiling water and cook for two minutes. Drain and cover with cold water to cool, then drain again and peel the outer skin from the beans.</li><li>Stir in the olive oil and add lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. If you’d like a softer texture, use a potato masher to crush a few of the broad beans. Fold in the mint leaves.</li><li>Serve on toast with shavings of pecorino or parmesan, or as an accompaniment to lamb, halloumi or fish.</li></ol><h2 id="what-to-do-with-cooked-broad-beans-4e9c22d3">What to do with cooked broad beans:</h2><p>Cooked broad beans are incredibly versatile and can be served warm or cold. Toss them through salads with lemon, herbs and cheese like our <a href="/recipes/lemony-broad-beans-with-goats-cheese-peas-mint">lemony broad beans with goat’s cheese, peas & mint</a>, mash them with olive oil and garlic for a vibrant toast topping like our <a href="/recipes/pea-broad-bean-hummus-goats-cheese-sourdough">pea & broad bean hummus with goat’s cheese & sourdough</a>, or stir into <a href="/recipes/risotto-peas-broad-beans">risottos</a>,<a href="/recipes/broad-bean-pasta"> pastas</a> and <a href="/recipes/broad-bean-barley-mint-salad">grain bowls</a> for added texture and freshness. They also work well blended into dips or stirred through sautéed greens for a simple side.</p><p>These are our five favourite recipes using broad beans:</p><h3 id="1-broad-bean-pasta-724daf5a">1. <a href="/recipes/broad-bean-pasta">Broad bean pasta </a></h3>
<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2022/07/Broad-bean-pasta-5eb8507.jpg" width="900" height="836" alt="Broad bean pasta in a bowl with a fork" title="Broad bean pasta" />
<p>Ready in under an hour, this light pasta dish is a lovely way to make the most of broad beans, at their peak in summer months. Peas work well too, though broad beans are just as sweet when peeled.</p><h3 id="2-broad-bean-pea-ricotta-frittata-bbd28285">2. <a href="/recipes/broad-bean-pea-ricotta-frittata">Broad bean, pea & ricotta frittata</a></h3>
<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2023/07/Broad-bean-pea-and-ricotta-frittata-fd6869e.jpg" width="900" height="836" alt="Broad bean, pea & ricotta frittata served in a large baking dish" title="Broad bean, pea & ricotta frittata" />
<p>Tuck into this simple frittata in less than 30 minutes, with feta, broad beans, peas and spring onions. Pod fresh broad beans for this, or opt for frozen for ease.</p><h3 id="3-broad-bean-hummus-with-crackers-ff5eb57c">3. <a href="/recipes/broad-bean-hummus-with-crackers">Broad bean hummus with crackers</a></h3>
<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2024/01/Broad-bean-hummus-b91a969.jpg" width="5193" height="3462" alt="A platter of crackers surrounding a bowl of broad bean hummus" title="Broad bean hummus with crackers" />
<p>Try this verdant broad bean dip for a delicious alternative to classic hummus. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, then serve with the crackers for scooping.</p><h3 id="4-asparagus-broad-bean-fattoush-with-crispy-asparagus-ends-48aacb01">4. <a href="/recipes/asparagus-broad-bean-fattoush-with-crispy-asparagus-ends">Asparagus & broad bean fattoush with crispy asparagus ends</a></h3>
<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2024/04/Asparagus-and-broad-bean-fattoush-bde5edc.jpg" width="900" height="836" alt="A sharing plate of asparagus & broad bean fattoush with crispy asparagus ends" title="Asparagus & broad bean fattoush with crispy asparagus ends" />
<p>This vegetarian, Middle Eastern-style sharing salad salad makes brilliant use of asparagus, radishes and broad beans.</p><h3 id="5-broad-bean-herb-ricotta-fritters-79e0e562">5. <a href="/recipes/broad-bean-herb-ricotta-fritters">Broad bean, herb & ricotta fritters</a></h3>
<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2024/05/Broad-bean-herb-ricotta-fritters-9c377a2.jpg" width="10328" height="6885" alt="Two plates of Broad bean, herb & ricotta fritters topped with halved boiled eggs" title="Broad bean, herb & ricotta fritters" />
<p>Serve these easy broad bean fritters with ricotta and boiled eggs. Try it for a great weekend brunch dish for two.</p><h2 id="how-to-freeze-broad-beans-df055741">How to freeze broad beans</h2><p>The best way to freeze broad beans is to blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then plunge them straight into cold water. This makes it easier to slip off their tough outer skins. Once peeled, dry the beans, spread them out in a single layer on a baking tray, and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen beans to a freezer-safe bag or container – they’ll keep well for up to three months.</p><h2 id="find-more-brilliant-bean-recipes-1f1a0875">Find more brilliant bean recipes…</h2><p><a href="/recipes/collection/broad-bean-recipes">Broad bean recipe collection</a><br><a href="/howto/guide/what-do-broad-beans">What to do with broad beans</a><br><a href="/recipes/collection/green-bean-recipes">Green bean recipe collection</a><br><a href="/recipes/collection/green-bean-salad-recipes">Green bean salad recipe collection</a></p><p><strong>What are your favourite broad bean recipes? Leave a comment below…</strong></p>
