Pasta with Broad Beans and Pecorino (Pasta con Fave e Pecorino)

Let me show you how I make Pasta with Broad Beans and Pecorino – a dish that’s a true celebration of spring in Italy, particularly in regions like Lazio and Le Marche. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the earthiness of broad beans (also known as fava beans) with the richness of Pecorino cheese, creating a comforting pasta that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner. From my own personal experience, this dish embodies the fresh, wholesome ingredients of Italian home cooking, and it’s ideal for beginners looking to try something new.

Notes on What to Expect:

This pasta dish is wonderfully light but hearty, perfect for those who want something fresh but filling. The broad beans provide a soft texture and a slight sweetness, while the Pecorino adds a sharp and creamy contrast. If you’re new to working with beans, don’t worry , the prep is simple, and the overall result is truly satisfying.

Ingredients

• 350g (12 oz) pasta (short pasta like penne or fusilli works well)
• 200g (7 oz) fresh broad beans (or frozen if fresh isn’t available)
• 50g (2 oz) Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A handful of fresh mint or basil (optional, for garnish)
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Prep Time: 15 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Equipment Needed:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Frying pan for sautéing garlic and beans
• Grater for cheese
• Strainer for draining the pasta
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pasta with Broad Beans and Pecorino  here now.

Method:

1. Prepare the Broad Beans: If you’re using fresh broad beans, peel them and blanch them in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes. Once they’re cool, peel off the outer skin to reveal the tender green beans inside. If you’re using frozen beans, you can skip this step and just defrost them.
2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, saving a little pasta water for later.
3. Sauté Garlic and Beans: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the broad beans and sauté for another 5-7 minutes, until they’re tender and slightly caramelized.
4. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the broad beans, tossing everything together. If the mixture seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add the Pecorino: Once the pasta and beans are well mixed, sprinkle the grated Pecorino cheese over the top and toss again until it melts into the pasta.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh mint or basil, if desired, and serve immediately.

Variations:

• Vegetarian: Skip the garlic and use vegetable broth instead of oil for a lighter version.
• Vegan: Use vegan cheese in place of Pecorino or skip the cheese entirely and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• With Pancetta or Guanciale: If you prefer a meatier dish, you can add diced pancetta or guanciale to the pan with the garlic for a salty, savory depth.
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pasta with Broad Beans and Pecorino  here now.

Tips:

• Fresh Beans: If you use fresh beans, make sure to peel them thoroughly to avoid any bitterness.
• Pasta Types: Short pasta like fusilli, penne, or farfalle works best with broad beans, but feel free to use your favorite shape!
• Cheese: Pecorino Romano is ideal for its sharp, salty flavor, but you can substitute it with Parmesan if needed.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: ~400 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 8g

Closing:

I hope this guide has made making Pasta with Broad Beans and Pecorino seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before, or is this your first time? Please, be honest and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment!

Happy cooking!