Baghali Sabz
Persian Steamed Fava Beans
A simple and refreshing Persian spring snack featuring tender fava beans steamed in their pods and seasoned with salt. Traditionally enjoyed by squeezing the beans out of the pod and dipping them in vinegar.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Fresh fava beans in pods
- Enough to fill pot Water
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- to taste Salt
- for serving Vinegar
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the fava beans: Rinse the fresh fava beans in their pods under cold running water. Inspect them for any blemishes and trim off any tough stem ends if necessary.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Cook the fava beans: You can either steam or boil the fava beans. \n\n**Steaming:** Place the fava beans in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Ensure the water does not touch the beans. Cover tightly and steam for 20-25 minutes, or until the pods are bright green and feel tender when squeezed.\n\n**Boiling:** Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt. Carefully add the fava beans to the boiling water. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the pods are tender and the beans inside are cooked through. The pods should feel slightly softened.
⏱️ 20-25 minutes - 3
Drain the fava beans: Once cooked, carefully remove the fava beans from the pot or steamer. Drain them thoroughly in a colander to remove any excess water.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
Season and serve: Transfer the drained fava beans to a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with salt to taste. Serve immediately while warm. Provide a small bowl of vinegar on the side for dipping.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Enjoy: To eat, hold a pod in your hand, gently squeeze it open, and pop the tender fava beans into your mouth. Dip the beans in vinegar before eating, if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓This dish is best enjoyed in spring when fava beans are freshest and most tender.
- ✓The traditional way to eat Baghali Sabz is directly from the pod, squeezing the beans out.
- ✓It's a simple, healthy, and flavorful snack or appetizer.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a brighter flavor, serve with lemon wedges instead of or in addition to vinegar.
- Sprinkle with dried Persian hogweed (golpar) for an anise-like aroma, especially popular in the fall harvest season for fava beans.
- Some enjoy adding a pinch of black pepper.