Fave e Cicoria
Mashed fava beans served with sauteed chicory. A classic dish from Puglia.
Valori Nutrizionali
* Il % del Valore Giornaliero (VG) indica quanto un nutriente in una porzione di cibo contribuisce a una dieta giornaliera. 2.000 calorie al giorno sono utilizzate per i consigli nutrizionali generali.
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Fave e Cicoria is a staple dish of Puglia, a region in Southern Italy. Its roots lie in the cucina povera ('poor cooking') tradition, reflecting the resourcefulness of the region's peasant communities. Fava beans, being a readily available and inexpensive source of protein, formed the base of the dish. Chicory, a wild green, complemented the fava beans and added bitterness, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. The dish demonstrates centuries of agricultural adaptation and culinary innovation within the constraints of limited resources.
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Fave e Cicoria transcends mere sustenance; it embodies the values of resourcefulness, simplicity, and community inherent in Pugliese culture.
Symbol of Peasant Cuisine
The dish is a powerful reminder of Puglia's agrarian past and the culinary ingenuity born from necessity. It represents the ability to create delicious and nourishing meals from readily available, inexpensive ingredients.
Seasonal Eating
Traditionally, Fave e Cicoria is consumed during the spring and early summer when both fava beans and chicory are in season and at their peak freshness.
Family and Community
Like many Italian dishes, Fave e Cicoria is often prepared and enjoyed communally, emphasizing the importance of family and shared meals. It is a dish that brings people together around the table.
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Earthy and subtly bitter, with a creamy texture contrasting the slightly bitter greens.
The dominant flavor is that of the fava beans, which when cooked down, create a smooth and creamy texture. This sweetness is beautifully offset by the bitterness of the sautéed chicory. Olive oil provides richness, while garlic contributes pungency. Some versions include a hint of chili flakes for a touch of heat. The overall flavor profile is rustic, simple, and comforting, showcasing the inherent qualities of the ingredients.
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Fava Bean Preparation
If using dried fava beans, soak them overnight to soften them. Peeling the beans after soaking (and cooking) makes for a smoother, creamier purée. If using fresh fava beans, blanching them briefly in boiling water and then shocking them in ice water will make the outer skin easier to remove.
Chicory Selection and Preparation
Choose fresh, vibrant chicory with firm leaves. Wash it thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. If the chicory is very bitter, blanching it briefly before sautéing can help to mellow the flavor.
Olive Oil Quality
Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil. The flavor of the olive oil will significantly impact the final dish. Pugliese olive oil is especially ideal.
Creamy Texture
For a perfectly smooth and creamy fava bean purée, use an immersion blender or food processor after cooking. Add a little of the cooking liquid if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Balancing Bitterness
The bitterness of the chicory is an integral part of the dish's flavor profile. However, if you find it too intense, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the finished dish to brighten and balance the flavors.
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