Scafata of Fava Beans and Escarole Recipe

Scafata of Fava Beans and Escarole Recipe

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 ounces pancetta, cut into 1/8-inch dice
  • ½ medium spanish onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
  • 8 baby artichokes, tough outer leaves removed, stems trimmed, and halved
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 2 pounds fava beans, shelled and peeled
  • 2 pounds fresh peas, shelled (about 1 cup)
  • ½ head escarole, cut crosswise into ½-inch-wide ribbons
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt
  • 4 fresh mint leaves
  1. In a 10- to 12-inch sauté pan, combine the olive oil and pancetta and cook over medium heat until the pancetta is soft and translucent, about 6 minutes. Add the onion, red pepper flakes, and artichokes and cook until the artichokes are just tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
  2. Add the water, favas, peas, escarole, and pepper and cook until the escarole is wilted and soft and the peas and beans are tender, about 8 minutes. Season with salt.
  3. Tear the mint leaves into pieces, sprinkle over the scafata, and serve. This dish is also good at room temperature.