Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Fava Beans!

I can't talk about fava beans without thinking of the movie Silence of the Lambs, haha.  But, I think Anthony Hopkins had the right idea when he ate fava beans (paired with a nice Chianti), because they are the most meaty bean around! 

Fava beans, also known as broad beans, are a great source of protein, fiber and iron.  They have a texture similar to the lima bean, but are more flavorful and meaty.  It's easy to not miss meat when eating this stir-fry, because the fava beans fill you up when paired with fresh veggies drenched in a delicious Natural Peanut Thai Sauce, and served with whole grain rice.  

Another great reason to cook with fava beans is that they are simple to prepare too. They don't need long hours of soaking like most other fresh beans.  Just rinse, cover with lots of water in a sauce pan and bring to a boil, simmer for 30-40 minutes, and fava beans are ready for the eating!

So, if you haven't had the pleasure of eating the delicious fava bean yet, pick up a bag in your local grocery store and try this recipe on for size. I used Bob's Red Mill Fava Beans.  Like all my recipes, this is husband approved, even without the meat :). 

Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Fava Beans
in a Natural Peanut Thai Sauce
serves 3-4

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups of fava beans, cooked
• 1 1/2 cups of greens beans, chopped in bite size pieces
• 1 red pepper, chopped in bite size pieces
• 1 cup of red onion, chopped in bite size pieces
• 1 1/2 cups of whole grain rice, cooked
• 1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil

Natural Peanut Thai Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of Natural peanut butter
• 2 tbsp Fresh ginger grated
• 4 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1/2 cup of Coconut Aminos or Low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp Toasted sesame oil
• 4 tbsp Rice vinegar 
• 2 tbsp Honey
• A big handful of fresh cilantro or fresh basil, chopped (optional)
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes, to spicy liking (optional)

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1.  Cook fava beans and whole grain rice according to the directions on their bag or container.  

2.  Before putting your stir-fry together, prepare your Natural Peanut Thai Sauce by whisking all of the ingredients together in a medium size bowl.  Set to the side while you prepare your stir-fry.

3.  In a large wok, skillet or pan, drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil on medium heat. 

4.  Add the onions and cook until softened. Next, add the fresh green beans and cook for about 5-7 minutes.  I like my green beans slightly crunchy, so I make sure not to cook them to death.  It adds a great texture to this stir-fry!

5.  Then, add the peppers and fava beans. Cook for another 5 minutes until the peppers are a nice bright red color.  

6.  Finally, add about 3/4 of the Natural Peanut Thai Sauce into the skillet, and turn the heat to low. You could use all of the sauce if you would like, but I like to have some leftover to use on salads and other foods during the week.
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7. Toss everything in the sauce until covered completely.  Serve on top of whole grain rice and garnish with fresh cilantro or basil!  

I hope you enjoy cooking and eating this colorful and nutritious meal with your loved ones!

              Always craving good food,
                                     Jillian