Looking for an easy Portuguese comfort food recipe? These Portuguese fava beans are slowly cooked with tender pork ribs, chouriço, garlic, onion, olive oil and fresh coriander for a hearty and flavorful meal the whole family will enjoy.
This traditional Portuguese fava beans recipe combines tender beans with savory pork ribs and smoky Portuguese chouriço. Slowly cooking the ingredients together creates a rich, flavorful broth and allows the fava beans to absorb all the delicious flavors.
Simple to prepare and made with traditional ingredients, these Portuguese fava beans are perfect for a comforting family lunch or dinner. Serve them with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce for a delicious and satisfying Portuguese meal.
If you're looking for comforting and flavorful dishes for a Sunday family lunch or dinner, try this delicious and traditional Portuguese octopus rice, Easy chicken stew, Cod fish pie with mashed potato or this Jardineira (Portuguese beef stew). These are all hearty and delicious options for a special family meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Authentic Portuguese flavor: Fava beans, pork ribs, chouriço, garlic, olive oil and coriander create a traditional combination of Portuguese flavors.
Simple ingredients: You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to prepare this comforting meal.
Easy to prepare: Once the ingredients are in the pan, the dish slowly cooks until the beans are tender and flavorful.
A hearty family meal: The combination of beans and pork makes this a satisfying main dish for lunch or dinner.
Perfect comfort food: The rich broth and tender fava beans make this a delicious meal for cooler days or whenever you want a traditional Portuguese dish.
Ingredients for Portuguese Fava Beans
Here you'll find all the ingredients needed to make this Portuguese fava beans recipe:
- Fava beans (broad beans) - The main ingredient, providing a creamy texture and earthy flavor.
- Chopped onion - Adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Olive oil - Provides richness and helps cook the onion, garlic and other ingredients.
- Peeled whole garlic - Infuses the dish with a delicious, aromatic garlic flavor.
- Bay leaf - Adds a subtle herbal aroma and depth to the cooking liquid.
- Pork ribs cut into pieces - Add tenderness, richness and a savory meaty flavor to the fava beans.
- Portuguese chouriço - Adds a smoky, intense flavor and extra richness to the dish.
- Coriander - Adds a fresh, aromatic flavor and is traditionally used to finish the dish.
- Pepper - Adds a slightly spicy touch and enhances the flavors of the dish.
- Salt - Enhances the natural flavors of all the ingredients.
Below you’ll find the correct measurement of all ingredients and the step-by-step guide for this recipe.
How to make Portuguese Fava Beans
Step 1: In a large saucepan, add the olive oil, chopped onions, whole peeled garlic cloves, bay leaf, pork ribs cut into pieces, and sliced chouriço. Season with salt and pepper, stir with a wooden spoon, and cook over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Add enough water to completely cover the mixture, season with a little more salt, and bring to a boil.
Step 3: Once it starts to boil, add the fava beans, stir, and cook for about 1 hour. If necessary, add a little more water to keep the fava beans covered during cooking.
Step 4: Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped coriander. Let it rest for about five minutes before serving.
Variations
• Portuguese Fava Beans with Eggs: For a more substantial meal, crack a few eggs into the pan near the end of cooking and allow them to poach in the flavorful broth.
• Fava Beans Without Pork: Omit the pork ribs and chouriço and add extra vegetables or herbs for a lighter meat-free version.
• Fava Beans with More Chouriço: For a stronger smoky flavor, add a little extra Portuguese chouriço. Keep the amount moderate so it complements rather than overwhelms the fava beans.
Tips
• Cook the pork first: Allowing the pork ribs and chouriço to cook with the onion, garlic and olive oil helps develop a deeper flavor before adding the fava beans.
• Keep the heat low: Slow cooking allows the fava beans to become tender while absorbing the flavors from the pork and chouriço.
• Watch the liquid: The fava beans should remain moist while cooking. Add a little more water if necessary.
• Don't overcook the beans: Cook until the fava beans are tender but still hold their shape.
• Let the dish rest: Allow the fava beans to rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors can settle.
• Finish with fresh coriander: Add chopped coriander at the end for a fresh, aromatic finish.
• Serve with bread: Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
FAQs
What are Portuguese fava beans?
Portuguese fava beans, or favas, are fava beans cooked with traditional Portuguese ingredients such as pork, chouriço, garlic, onion, olive oil and coriander.
What are Portuguese fava beans served with?
Portuguese fava beans can be served as a main dish with crusty bread, rice or a simple salad. This version is cooked with pork ribs and chouriço, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
Can I use frozen fava beans?
Yes. Frozen fava beans can be used if fresh fava beans are not available. Allow them to thaw before cooking and adjust the cooking time if necessary.
Can I make Portuguese fava beans without pork?
Yes. You can omit the pork ribs and chouriço for a meat-free version. The dish will have a lighter flavor, but you can add extra vegetables, herbs and olive oil for more flavor.
Can I use canned fava beans?
Canned fava beans can be used, but they are already cooked and much more tender than fresh or frozen beans. Add them later in the cooking process and reduce the cooking time to prevent them from becoming mushy.
How should I store leftover Portuguese fava beans?
Allow the leftovers to cool and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a saucepan, adding a little water if the sauce becomes too thick.
You May Also Like
- Portuguese bean stew (Feijoada)
- Portuguese tripe
- Portuguese peas with poached eggs and chouriço
- Portuguese rice and beans
- Rice with pork ribs and peppers
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Portuguese Fava Beans
Looking for an easy Portuguese comfort food recipe? These Portuguese fava beans are slowly cooked with tender pork ribs, chouriço, garlic, onion, olive oil and fresh coriander for a hearty and flavorful meal the whole family will enjoy.
- 500 grams (17 1/2 ounces) fava beans (broad beans)
- 2 medium onions
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 50 ml (1/4 cup) olive oil
- 300 grams (10 1/2 ounces) pork ribs
- 75 grams (2 2/3 ounces) Portuguese chouriço
- Coriander (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- In a large saucepan, add the olive oil, chopped onions, whole peeled garlic cloves, bay leaf, pork ribs cut into pieces, and sliced chouriço. Season with salt and pepper, stir with a wooden spoon, and cook over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add enough water to completely cover the mixture, season with a little more salt, and bring to a boil.
- Once it starts to boil, add the fava beans, stir, and cook for about 1 hour. If necessary, add a little more water to keep the fava beans covered during cooking.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped coriander. Let it rest for about five minutes before serving.
