Serrano-Infused Broad Beans with Spring Onions
Serrano-Infused Broad Beans with Spring Onions is a delightful Spanish dish that showcases the rich, earthy flavor of fresh broad beans paired with the robust taste of mountain-cured Serrano ham. This simple yet sophisticated recipe highlights the sweetness of spring onions, which lend a gentle bite compared to regular onions, creating a harmonious balance with the savory ham. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, this dish captures the essence of Spanish cuisine and is best enjoyed in the vibrant spring months when broad beans are at their peak freshness. Serve it warm, and enjoy a taste of traditional Spanish flavors right in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Broad beans
2 kg (Podded)
Mountain-cured Serrano ham
100 g (Chopped)
Spring onions
2 small (Finely chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (Crushed)
Olive oil
To taste (For cooking)
Salt
To taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by podding the broad beans, ensuring to remove any tough skins from the beans if they are larger.
2
In a large frying pan, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the finely chopped spring onions and crushed garlic cloves.
3
Sauté the onions and garlic gently, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
4
Incorporate the chopped Serrano ham into the pan, allowing it to cook for an additional 5 minutes until it becomes slightly crispy and releases its flavorful oils.
5
Add the podded broad beans to the frying pan and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring they are well-coated with the oil and flavors from the pan.
6
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and cook for approximately 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if the beans start to stick or need additional moisture.
7
Once the broad beans are tender yet still vibrant in color, remove the lid and season the mixture with salt to taste. Stir well to combine and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Serrano-Infused Broad Beans with Spring Onions?
It is a traditional Spanish dish featuring earthy broad beans, savory mountain-cured Serrano ham, and sweet spring onions.
How many broad beans are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 kg of broad beans.
How should the broad beans be prepared?
The beans should be podded, and if they are larger, you should remove any tough skins from them.
What type of ham is used in this dish?
The recipe uses 100 g of mountain-cured Serrano ham.
How should the Serrano ham be prepared?
The ham should be chopped into small pieces before cooking.
What type of onions are recommended?
The dish specifically uses 2 small spring onions for their gentle bite and sweetness.
How do I prepare the spring onions?
The spring onions should be finely chopped.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 garlic cloves for this recipe.
What is the recommended preparation for the garlic?
The garlic cloves should be crushed before being added to the pan.
What kind of oil should be used for cooking?
A generous drizzle of olive oil is recommended for sautéing.
What is the first step in cooking the dish?
Start by podding the beans and then sautéing the spring onions and garlic in olive oil.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
When should I add the Serrano ham?
Add the chopped ham after the onions and garlic have become soft.
How long does the Serrano ham need to cook?
The ham should cook for approximately 5 minutes until it is slightly crispy.
When do I add the broad beans to the pan?
Add the podded broad beans once the ham has released its flavorful oils and is slightly crispy.
How long do I stir-fry the beans initially?
Stir-fry the beans for 2-3 minutes to ensure they are well-coated with oil and flavors.
What is the final cooking stage for the beans?
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and cook for 15-20 minutes.
Should I add water during the simmering process?
Yes, add a splash of water if the beans start to stick or require more moisture.
When is the salt added?
Salt is added to taste once the broad beans are tender and the lid is removed.
How should this dish be served?
It is best served warm as either a side dish or a light main course.
Is this recipe considered difficult?
No, it is categorized as an easy recipe with simple steps.
Which cuisine does this dish belong to?
This dish belongs to Spanish cuisine.
What season is best for making this recipe?
It is best enjoyed in the vibrant spring months when broad beans are at their peak freshness.
Can I use this as a main course?
Yes, while it works great as a side dish, it is also suitable as a light main course.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a balance of earthy beans, savory ham, and the subtle sweetness of spring onions.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 6 ingredients including the seasoning.
Why is a lid used during the cooking process?
The lid helps steam the beans on low heat, ensuring they become tender while retaining their color.
How do I know when the broad beans are done?
They are ready when they are tender to the bite but still have a vibrant green color.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
The original recipe contains Serrano ham, so vegetarians would need to omit the ham or use a plant-based alternative.
Can I use regular onions if spring onions are unavailable?
While spring onions are preferred for their sweetness, regular onions can be used but will provide a stronger flavor.