Lite Bites: Fava Cuke and Radish

Bright, crunchy and fresh.  This one of my favorite salads.  When favas are in season, load up.  These little guys require a little extra work, but it is worth it.  Seed your cukes before chopping them up to avoid a slimy salad.  Even if you buy the English cukes, you need to scoop the middle…again, slime is not appealing.  Add a few toasted pine nuts on top and enjoy the goodness. 

2 lbs fresh fava beans

1 bunch radish

1 english cucumber, middle scooped

2-3 Tbs chopped chives

2-3 Tbs pine nuts, toasted

Extra virgin olive oil

Lemon

Salt

1.  Fava beans.  Delicious, but you have to work for them.  Remove beans from pods, then peel outer layer. Repeat.

Delightful little favas

1. Dice radishes and cucumber.  Add shelled and peeled favas.  
2. Toast pine nuts in a dry pan over medium heat.  These little guys burn fast, so keep an eye on them.  Note: always store nuts in the freezer to keep them from going rancid.  Rancid nuts are nasty. 
3. Toss with oil, lemon and salt.  Add chives.

Simple and delicious.  Don't be deterred by the favas.  These are little gems that should not be missed!  

Enjoy!
MJM