LEGUMES “the meat of the poor”

Today we want to talk to you about our dried broad beans and a typical Sicilian recipe “u maccu”.

In ancient times, meat was scarce on people's tables and for this reason legumes were consumed, which have a high protein value equal to or higher than meat, are easy to grow and cheap, hence called "the meat of the poor".

With the arrival of autumn and slower rhythms we dedicate ourselves to the traditional cuisine of our beloved land.

In addition to being a good legume to eat, broad beans are rich in iron, potassium, magnesium, selenium and contain many vitamins.

They help promote good intestinal function by providing a good amount of fiber that helps fight cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

In my family we love to prepare macco di fave! In Sicilian “U MACCU” a creamy fava bean soup, a poor dish of the peasant tradition typical of southern Italy (included in the list of Traditional Italian Agri-food products).

Here is the recipe made with our dried broad beans in their shells:

Rinse the dried beans and soak them in a bowl covered with cold water and add a spoonful of bicarbonate (the night before for about 12 hours).

The next morning, remove the peel, prepare a soffritto with the finely chopped onion in a saucepan with oil, add the broad beans and let it flavour, then cover with hot water.

Finally add salt and cook for about an hour on low heat, we add a few sage leaves to give a more delicate flavour.

At the end of cooking, if the beans are not completely dissolved, let them cool and blend.

Serve in a soup bowl with extra virgin olive oil and accompany it with vegetables such as chicory and some croutons.

What can I say, if you already know this recipe or want to try it, we recommend you try our dried broad beans available on our e-commerce.