How nice to have you here again, dear friends of Paulina Cocina! Broad beans with ham are appreciated for being a tasty and seasonal dish. The combination of the tender broad beans with the salty and smoky flavor of the ham creates a harmony of flavors that is highly appreciated in Spanish gastronomy.
As we already know, in Spain there is the KM 0 movement that encourages the consumption and production of seasonal products. The fresh broad beans used in this dish are usually available during the spring and summer, so broad beans with ham are considered a seasonal dish in Spain. The beans have nutritional benefits and are very adaptable to various preparations. Let’s see a little about them and about the rich broad beans with ham recipe.
About the broad beans with ham
How can you eat broad beans, apart from in scrambled eggs with ham?
- raw fresh broad beans: Some people enjoy fresh lima beans raw, especially if they are young and tender. They can be added to salads, crudité dishes, or even eaten on their own as a snack.
- baked broad beans: Cooking broad beans is a common way to prepare them. They can be boiled in salted water for a few minutes until tender. Once cooked, they can be served as a garnish, mixed into rice or pasta dishes, or added to salads.
- sautéed broad beans: Sautéing the broad beans in a pan with a little olive oil and seasonings is another delicious option. This gives them a slightly caramelized flavor and a more tender texture. They can be combined with other stir-fried vegetables, added to scrambled eggs, or served as a side dish.
- mashed broad beans: Another popular way to eat lima beans is to puree them. After the beans are cooked, they can be mashed or run through a food processor to get a smooth consistency. The broad bean puree can be seasoned with spices, herbs, or even cheese added to enhance the flavor.
They can also be used for various dishes such as Cooked Green Bean Salad or Vegetable Stew.
How is it better to eat beans?
Nutritionally speaking, eating lima beans fresh and raw preserves most of their nutrients, since they are not subjected to heat or processing. By consuming them raw, you make the most of their vitamin C content and some B vitamins.
If you want to maximize the absorption of iron present in lima beans (the type of iron found in vegetables), you can combine them with foods rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C helps improve iron absorption.
Origin of the recipe for broad beans with ham
The origin of the recipe for beans with ham dates back to traditional Spanish cuisine. and has a long history in the gastronomy of the country. Although there is no specific documented history of its origin, it is known that there are some influences that have contributed to the creation of this dish.
Broad beans are an ancient and versatile ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine. Its cultivation dates back to ancient times, and it is believed that they were consumed by civilizations such as the Romans and the Greeks. The combination with ham probably stems from the Spanish culinary tradition, where ham is a widely used and appreciated ingredient.
He Serrano ham that carries the recipe for beans with ham is a Spanish specialty that is obtained from pigs raised in the Iberian Peninsula. The ham is cured for a long period, which gives it an intense and salty flavor that contrasts very well with the tender broad beans.
Broad beans with ham in Spanish gastronomy
In Spain, especially in the region of Castilla y León, broad beans with ham have become a classic and emblematic dish of local cuisine. This region is known for its production of high-quality broad beans, and the dish has been passed down from generation to generation as a traditional recipe.
Today, broad beans with ham are enjoyed throughout Spain and have gained international popularity as a taste of Spanish cuisine. The combination of the salty flavors of the ham and the sweetness of the broad beans creates a balance of flavors that has conquered the palates of many food lovers.
Beans with ham recipe
This dish is very simple to make and there is only one point to keep in mind: avoid overcooking the beans. They take approximately 10 minutes to cook or until they are tender but still maintain their texture.
Yield: 4 portions
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 500 gr of fresh broad beans (they can be frozen or fresh)
- 150 g Serrano or Iberico ham, cut into small pieces
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make broad beans with ham
- In a large pot bring water to a boil and add salt. Add the broad beans and cook for about 10 minutes or until tender. Drain and reserve.
- In a large skillet heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and the chopped garlic and when they are golden add the Serrano or Iberian ham to the pan. Sauté for a few minutes.
- Add the cooked beans to the pan and mix well. Cook everything together for a few more minutes for the flavors to blend.
- Season to taste and remove from heat. Optional garnish with a little chopped parsley.
Source: www.paulinacocina.net
