Want expert advice for growing your own crop? Learn how to grow your own broad beans from our friends at Gardeners’ World.
Try our broad bean recipes then check out our other seasonal ingredient ideas, including our cherry recipes, carrot recipes and asparagus recipes.
Why we love broad beans
Also known as fava beans, broad beans are small, bright green legumes with a nutty, sweet taste. They're encased in a tough pod which should be cracked open to reveal the beans before eating, as well as a slightly thicker outer skin which can be removed for a smoother, creamier texture. During broad bean season, they can be added to anything from salads to soups, pasta dishes and more.
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Health benefits of broad beans
Similar to many other types of legume, these beans are full of protein, plus they're a good source of vitamins A, B1 and B2.
When are broad beans in season?
British broad bean season runs from April to September, and they're at their best between June and September.
How to cook broad beans
It might not be the most fun kitchen job but double podding broad beans is essential to avoid the leathery texture after removing them from the main pod. Simply blanch the beans, drain and cool, then slit the leathery skin, popping out the bright green bean.
Broad bean recipes
Broad bean, mint and chilli pasta
Crunchy broad beans, chopped mint, zesty lemon and double cream meet in this vibrant pasta dish by Rosie Birkett. The fresh flavours sing summer – eat outside in the sun with a chilled glass of wine.
Get stuck into our summer pasta recipes.
Broad bean Greek salad with marinated feta
This fresh, green, Greek-style salad with marinated feta is a great way to make use of broad beans while you can. Serve as a side salad, or with toasted pitta or flatbread for a light lunch or dinner.
Next, try our halloumi and Greek salad wraps.
Broad bean salad with peach and fennel
Fresh, vibrant beans are joined by thinly sliced peaches, fennel, basil and courgette, then the lot is dressed in a lemony chilli dressing. Serve with cooked halloumi or baked feta.
For another sweet-savoury dish, try peaches with burrata and serrano ham.
Fried gnocchi with broad beans, parma ham, ricotta and sage
This combo of lemony ricotta, crisp golden fried gnocchi and vibrant broad beans is an absolute winner for an easy summer dinner. Guaranteed to be your new favourite way with gnocchi.
For more ways with gnocchi, see our all our recipes.
New potato, broad bean and chorizo salad
Cook the chorizo until crisp and serve over peppery rocket, broad beans and baby new potatoes tossed in oily garlic. This is a hearty salad that could be enjoyed on its own, or eaten with barbecued chicken.
See our summer salad recipes for more inspiration.
Broad bean and mint panzanella with burrata
Make this broad bean and mint panzanella with burrata for a great spring salad, packed with lots of delicious seasonal flavours.
Try more easy starter recipes.
Spring greens shakshuka
Shakshuka, traditionally a North African dish, is typically comprised of spices, eggs and tomatoes, but here we've decided to mix things up a little – make it green and healthy with asparagus tips and broad beans.
Try many more asparagus recipes.
Risotto verde with broad beans
This green risotto is packed with plenty of vegetables, it's low calorie and a great way to feed a crowd.
Next, have a look at our effortless summer dinner party ideas.
Green linguine with broad beans
This simple linguine recipe is full of seasonal veg, including summery broad beans. It's quick, easy and a great midweek meal for two.
Find plenty more linguine recipes.
Broad bean fritters with herby whipped goat's cheese and bacon crumbs
These easy fritters make the most of broad beans and are served with herby whipped goat's cheese and bacon crumbs. It's a seriously satisfying lunch that's great for weekends.
We also love seasonal courgettes in crispy golden fritters.
Smashed broad beans on toast
Not a fan of classic beans on toast? Try our greener, healthier version using broad beans. This recipe is easy to rustle up, ideal when you're short of time.
Check out more of our best recipes for things on toast.
Avocado hummus, falafel and broad bean baguettes
Broad beans liven up this vegan baguette with creamy hummus and flavoursome falafel for the perfect lunchtime meal.
Discover our best falafel recipes.
Broad bean smash with lamb shawarma
Make the most of seasonal lamb and bright broad beans in this summer salad stopped with creamy feta. The contrast between salt, fat, tangy and sweet is incredibly delicious.
See more of our lamb recipes.
Barley risotto with chicken, broad beans and kale
Swap rice for barley to make this comforting chicken, broad bean and kale risotto. It's a hearty, wholesome dish to serve for dinner and the leftovers will keep well for the next day.
Enjoy plenty more of our risotto recipes.
Broad beans with mozzarella, lemon and mint
For a quick and easy sharing starter, top mozzarella with lemon, mint and broad beans. It's a great one for summer entertaining.
For more ways with this stringy cheesy, check out our mozzarella recipes.
Sea bass with broad bean mash and truffle oil
Serve sea bass fillet on a bed of broad bean mash and drizzle with truffle oil for an impressive dinner party main. The key is to crisp the skin to perfection.
Want more dishes like this? Check out our sea bass recipes.
Trout and broad bean filo tart
This trout and broad bean filo tart is easy to make, packed full of fresh spring flavours and low in calories. It looks wonderful when brought to the table, too.
Check out more of our best savoury tart recipes.
Chicken and broad bean pilaf
For a nourishing weeknight meal, tuck into healthy chicken pilaf with flaked almonds and broad beans. It couldn't be easier to make.
Discover more of our best chicken recipes.
Broad bean, pea shoot, asparagus and ricotta bowl
Bright green broad beans are a beautiful thing. Used in this seasonal broad bean, pea shoot, asparagus and ricotta recipe, it feels like you're eating a bowl full of goodness.
Explore all our vegetarian salad recipes.
Fried new potatoes with parma ham and broad beans
Sweet broad beans, rich fried new potatoes and salty, crispy parma make a heavenly combination. Enjoy this rustic dish for a speedy lunch.
While they're in season, check out our new potato recipes.
Grilled peas and broad beans with minted yogurt sauce
Grilled broad beans with peas and minted yogurt sauce is a great dish to have on hand for a summer barbecue. The slightly charred flavour works really well with the fresh, seasonal broad beans and the tangy yogurt sauce.
Next, have a look at our vegetarian barbecue recipes.
Crushed broad bean and mint bruschetta
It's always good to have a bruschetta recipe up your sleeve. These make great summer canapés or nibbles at parties with a glass of prosecco or a zesty, dry white wine such as verdicchio.
Broad bean and fennel salad
Put broad beans at the centre of this fresh, crisp salad with fennel, zesty lemon and a kick of chilli. It makes a great starter or side salad, as part of a bigger spread.
Enjoy the aniseed flavour of fennel with our fabulous recipes.
Slow-cooked shoulder of spring lamb with peas, broad beans and mint
Our slow-cooked shoulder of spring lamb served with crunchy broad beans and mint – the perfect low-effort-with-maximum-results recipe from Noble Rot in Bloomsbury.
They are so many delicious ways to enjoy lamb, see our recipes for more ideas.
Peas, broad beans, manchego and migas
Get a taste of the Spanish Camino, with this vibrant starter that celebrates broad beans from My Million Pound Menu winner, Pilgrim. It's light, elegant and great for sharing.
Create a fiesta-worthy feast at home with our Spanish recipes.
Veal rump, potatoes, broad beans, girolles and celeriac purée
Veal rump is paired with seasonal broad beans and a creamy cauliflower purée in this beautiful recipe from Alistair Craig of The Horseshoe Inn near Peebles.
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If veal isn't for you, try our roast lamb rump with flageolet and spring veg ragout.
