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Forkin
Main CourseSoup

Macco di Fave

This traditional Sicilian fava bean soup is a hearty and flavorful vegan dish. Dried fava beans are simmered with wild fennel, onion, and tomato to create a rich and comforting meal. Serve with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying experience.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
1 hr 45 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Medium
Per serving
247 kcal

Allergen information: may contain gluten. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Macco di Fave

Mise en place

Ingredients

  • 250 gdried fava bean, soaked overnight
  • 1 pcsyellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 clovegarlic, minced
  • 0.5 cupwild fennel frond, chopped
  • 400 gdiced tomato, canned
  • 1 lvegetable broth
  • 2 tbspolive oil
  • 1 tspsalt
  • 0.5 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
  • 4 pcscrusty bread, for serving(optional)

Equipment

large pot · dutch oven · cutting board · knife

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    If not already done, soak the dried fava beans in cold water overnight. Drain and rinse them thoroughly before beginning to cook.

    Cook’s note: Soaking helps reduce cooking time and makes the beans more digestible.

  2. 2

    Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

    About 1 min

  3. 3

    Add the onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

    About 6 min

  4. 4

    Stir in the garlic and wild fennel fronds and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

    About 2 min

  5. 5

    Add the soaked fava beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot.

    About 1 min

  6. 6

    Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 60-75 minutes, or until the fava beans are very tender.

    About 1 hr 10 min

    Cook’s note: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add more broth or water if the soup becomes too thick.

  7. 7

    Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

    About 1 min

  8. 8

    For a smoother soup, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a spoon or use an immersion blender for a few pulses, leaving some texture.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: Traditional Macco di Fave is often quite thick and creamy from the mashed beans.

  9. 9

    Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Per serving

Nutrition

68%Score
Calories
246.7kcal
Protein
9.8g
Carbs
35.8g
Fat
8.4g
Fibre
5.9g
Sugar
6.6g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover Macco di Fave in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to reach desired consistency.