Catalan Fava Bean and Jamon Salad with Mint Dressing
This vibrant Catalan Fava Bean Salad beautifully captures the essence of Spain's Mediterranean cuisine. Fresh fava beans, tenderly boiled and tossed with delicate escarole, are complemented by the rich, savory slivers of Serrano ham and bright, aromatic mint leaves. Created by renowned chef Josep Mercader, this dish has become a regional favorite in Catalonia, blending simple ingredients into a harmonious celebration of flavor. Perfect for warm gatherings or as a light starter, this salad can easily be adapted with edamame if fresh fava beans are challenging to find. The accompanying tangy dressing, infused with sherry wine vinegar and zesty lemon, elevates the dish to a delightful culinary experience.
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh fava beans
3 cups (shelled (about 3 pounds unshelled))
Escarole
1.5 cups (shredded)
Serrano ham
3 ounces (cut into thin slivers)
Fresh mint leaves
1/3 cup (whole)
Shallots
2 large (minced)
Sea salt
to taste
Freshly ground pepper
to taste
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup
Sherry wine vinegar
2 tablespoons
Fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons
Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon
Garlic clove
1 (pressed)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fresh fava beans and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they are tender but still vibrant green.
2
Once cooked, drain the fava beans and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. If using fresh fava beans, peel off their outer skins once they are cool. If using edamame, you can skip this peeling step.
3
In a large serving bowl, combine the shelled fava beans, shredded escarole, slivers of Serrano ham, fresh mint leaves, and minced shallots. Gently toss these ingredients together.
4
In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the extra virgin olive oil, sherry wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and the pressed garlic clove until well combined.
5
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture, and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
6
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with sea salt and freshly ground pepper as needed.
7
For the best flavor, serve the salad immediately while the ingredients are fresh and crisp.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
10g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is the Catalan Fava Bean and Jamon Salad with Mint Dressing.
Who created this specific recipe?
This dish was created by the renowned chef Josep Mercader.
From which region does this salad originate?
This dish is a regional favorite from Catalonia, Spain.
What are the main ingredients of the salad?
The main ingredients include fresh fava beans, escarole, Serrano ham, fresh mint, and shallots.
What is a good substitute for fava beans?
Edamame can be used as a substitute if fresh fava beans are difficult to find.
How long should you boil the fava beans?
You should boil them in salted water for 2-3 minutes.
Why are the beans rinsed in cold water?
They are rinsed to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant green color.
Do fresh fava beans need to be peeled?
Yes, once cooled, the outer skins of fresh fava beans should be peeled off.
What kind of ham is used in this Catalan salad?
The recipe uses 3 ounces of Serrano ham cut into thin slivers.
What type of greens are included in the salad?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of shredded escarole.
What are the components of the mint dressing?
The dressing consists of olive oil, sherry vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and pressed garlic.
What type of vinegar is best for the dressing?
Sherry wine vinegar is the specific type recommended for this recipe.
How many calories does a serving contain?
There are approximately 100 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The salad contains about 4g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 10g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in the salad?
Each serving provides about 5g of protein.
How many total ingredients are listed in the recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
What type of mustard should be used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
How many shallots are required?
You will need 2 large minced shallots.
Is it necessary to use fresh mint?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1/3 cup of whole fresh mint leaves.
How should the garlic be prepared for the dressing?
One garlic clove should be pressed before being added to the dressing.
When should the salad be served?
For the best flavor, the salad should be served immediately while the ingredients are fresh.
Can this dish be used as a starter?
Yes, it is described as a light starter or perfect for warm gatherings.
Is the salad considered part of the Mediterranean diet?
Yes, it is a vibrant example of Spain's Mediterranean cuisine.
What is the texture of the beans after cooking?
The beans should be tender but still vibrant green.
How much extra virgin olive oil is needed?
The dressing requires 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How much lemon juice is added to the dressing?
Two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice are used.
How should the seasoning be adjusted?
You can adjust the taste with sea salt and freshly ground pepper as needed.
What is the total amount of fava beans needed?
You need 3 cups of shelled beans, which is about 3 pounds unshelled.
What type of salt is recommended?
Sea salt is recommended for seasoning the salad.