When it comes to gardening and cooking, nothing beats the satisfaction of knowing you’re using every part of your harvest. If you’ve been growing fava beans (also known as broad beans), this blog will excite you. With a little creativity, you can turn your entire fava bean plant into delicious, sustainable recipes that are sure to impress. From crispy snacks to tasty falafel, here’s how to enjoy fava beans while staying true to a zero-waste lifestyle.
Don’t Toss Those Pods: Make Falafel!
While many people focus on the beans themselves, the pods are actually perfect for making a unique twist on classic falafel.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 cups pre-soaked chickpeas
- 15-20 fava bean pods
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 onion
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 pinches of salt
- 2 pinches of black pepper
- A handful of fresh parsley
- Olive oil for frying
- Optional: cumin, fennel, chili (for a bit of extra kick)
Step-by-Step:
- Start by washing your fava bean pods and cutting off the ends. If your pods are fresh and tender, you can skip to the next step. If they’re a bit tougher, give them a quick boil for about a minute to soften them up. Don’t forget to remove the strings.
- Toss the pre-soaked chickpeas, fava pods, garlic, onion, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley into a blender. Blend until smooth. The mixture can be quite dry, so you might need to give it a stir here and there to get everything nicely combined.
- Roll the mixture into balls, heat up your olive oil, and deep fry the falafel until they’re golden brown. ( Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, and you’ve got a zero-waste snack that’s as delicious as it is sustainable.)
Crunchy, Crispy Fava Beans
If you love a good snack that’s both crunchy and healthy, crispy fava beans are a must-try. These little bites are incredibly easy to make and perfect for munching on the go.
What You’ll Need:
- Fava beans (as many as you like)
- Olive oil
- Your favorite spices (paprika, garlic powder, chili powder—whatever tickles your taste buds)
Step-by-Step:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Toss your fava beans with a bit of olive oil and spices, then spread them out on a baking sheet.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, keeping an eye on them and giving them a stir a couple of times to ensure they crisp up evenly on all sides. The result is a crunchy, protein-packed snack that’s way better than anything you’ll find in a store.
Quick Tip
After you’ve harvested your fava beans, don’t forget to cut the plants at the base and compost the leaves and stalks. By composting, you’re returning valuable nutrients to your soil, ensuring that next season’s crops are just as abundant. And if you want to be extra resourceful, leave a few pods on the plant to dry out. These dried seeds can be saved for next year’s garden, giving you a head start on your next zero-waste fava bean adventure.
From falafel pods to crispy fava beans, there are endless ways to enjoy your fava bean harvest without any waste. Plus, it’s a fun way to experiment in the kitchen and impress your friends with something a little different.
So next time you’re staring at those fava bean plants in your garden, remember: every part of the plant has potential. And who knows, you might just discover your new favorite recipe in the process.
🎥 Shoutout to my fiance Iasmina, @lajatattoo for filming the process and helping bring these zero-waste recipes to life.
Happy cooking, and even happier eating!
