Rome is a complex city. The food, however, is surprisingly simple. Evolving from ancient times through the Renaissance to more modern cuisine, Roman cooks have always revealed their ability to make even a basic plate of buttered pasta taste like a four-star dish. Today, we invite you to explore the diverse range of Rome’s cuisine beyond pasta dishes. We want to introduce you to the perfect recipe for Fava Beans with Pecorino. Here is how to make it.
Fava Beans with Pecorino
When spring arrives in Rome, it brings forth two things that locals enjoy – pleasant weather and delicious Fava beans with Pecorino cheese. As a popular staple in the Italian diet, fava beans are especially favored in Rome. This simple yet tasty dish is complemented with tangy red onions and savory Pecorino cheese. Here is how to prepare it.
Serves
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 1 minute
Ingredients
3 lbs. fava beans (yields 3 cups shelled)
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
3/4 cup Pecorino, grated; reserve some for garnish
Kosher salt, to taste
Procedure
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare a bowl of ice water to shock the beans. Place the beans in the boiling water and blanch for 1 minute. Remove from boiling water and place immediately into ice water. Remove the beans from their shell and put them in a large mixing bowl. Toss with the oil, vinegar, cheese, and salt. Serve with a garnish of Pecorino.
Cooking Class with Chef Andrea Consoli
Learning how to cook like a proper Roman can take a lifetime. But chances are you’ll only be in the city for a few weeks, so why not get a crash course with Chef Andrea Consoli, who teaches cooking classes inside the Le Fate Restaurant in Rome? In five hours, you’ll prepare a four-course meal and take home skills you can surely build upon. (65€, At Le Fate Restaurant on Viale di Trastevere, 130, Mon–Sat, 10am; [email protected] )
