Broad Beans And Ham -

Broad Beans And Ham

This protein packed side dish also makes a hearty first course. It looks attractively rustic served in individual terracotta dishes.

Ingredients

1 kg broad beans
2 tablespoons olive oil
3-4 spring onions, chopped
100 g Parma or Serrano ham, cut into strips
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley to garnish, optional

Details

Serves: 4

Method

Shell the beans and place them in a saucepan of salted boiling water. Cook for 5-10 minutes until tender. (The cooking time for broad beans depends entirely on their size, the larger they are the longer they take.) Ensure you do not to overcook them. Drain and set aside. If using large beans, remove the skin from each bean once cooked.

Heat the oil in a saucepan and gently fry the spring onions for 1-2 minutes until they begin to soften.

Add the strips of ham to the pan with the spring onions and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, then add the cooked beans. Season with freshly ground black pepper and a little salt if necessary (the ham may be fairly salty itself) and cook for a few more minutes, stirring constantly, until the beans and ham are cooked. When ready to serve, divide the beans into 4 terracotta dishes and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.

Related food category:

• Vegetable and Side Dishes