Broad Bean Recipes Vegan Lovers Will Adore

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Broad beans, also known as fava beans, are a versatile and nutrient-packed legume that has been cherished in cuisines worldwide for centuries. For those following a vegan lifestyle, broad beans offer a fantastic source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.

Their creamy texture and slightly nutty flavor make them perfect for a variety of dishes, from salads to hearty stews. In this blog post, we’ll explore several delicious vegan broad bean recipes that are easy to prepare, satisfying, and perfect for any season.

Whether you’re new to cooking with broad beans or a seasoned vegan looking to diversify your meals, these recipes will inspire you to incorporate this humble legume into your weekly menu. Plus, broad beans are budget-friendly and widely available fresh, frozen, or dried, making them accessible for everyone.

Let’s dive into these flavorful, wholesome recipes that showcase the best of broad beans in vegan cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Broad beans shine in vegan cooking because they bring a hearty texture and rich nutrition to any dish. Unlike some legumes, broad beans hold their shape well when cooked, lending a satisfying bite without becoming mushy.

They are packed with protein, iron, and folate, which are essential in a plant-based diet.

These recipes are not only delicious but also incredibly adaptable. You can enjoy broad beans in salads, purees, or combined with grains and vegetables for a complete meal.

Plus, they are perfect for batch cooking and meal prep, saving time during busy weeks.

Whether you want a quick snack or a filling dinner, vegan broad bean recipes offer nutritious comfort and vibrant flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients

  • Fresh or frozen broad beans: 500g (shelled weight)
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic cloves: 3, minced
  • Red onion: 1 small, finely chopped
  • Fresh lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
  • Fresh parsley: ¼ cup, chopped
  • Sea salt: to taste
  • Black pepper: freshly ground, to taste
  • Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
  • Smoked paprika: ½ teaspoon
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
  • Vegetable broth: 1 cup (for cooking)
  • Cooked quinoa or rice: 2 cups (optional for serving)

Equipment

  • Large pot or saucepan
  • Colander or sieve
  • Mixing bowls
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Spoon or spatula for stirring
  • Blender or food processor (optional, for purees)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving dishes or bowls

Instructions

  1. Prepare the broad beans: If using fresh broad beans, remove them from their pods. Blanch the shelled beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to cool. This helps loosen the tough outer skin.
  2. Peel the beans: Once cooled, gently squeeze each bean to remove the outer skin, revealing the bright green inner bean. This step is optional but improves texture and taste.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Add spices and broad beans: Stir in the cumin and smoked paprika. Add the peeled broad beans and toss to coat with the spices and aromatics.
  5. Simmer with broth: Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 10-12 minutes until the beans are tender but not mushy.
  6. Add tomatoes and season: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly.
  7. Finish with lemon and herbs: Remove from heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Serve: Serve warm over cooked quinoa or rice for a complete meal, or enjoy as a flavorful side dish.

Tips & Variations

“For a creamier texture, blend half of the cooked broad beans with a splash of vegetable broth to create a thick puree. Mix it back with the whole beans for a delightful contrast.”

  • Add greens: Stir in chopped spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a diced fresh chili for a spicy kick.
  • Make a salad: Chill cooked broad beans and toss with diced cucumber, red onion, and a mustard vinaigrette for a refreshing summer salad.
  • Use dried broad beans: Soak dried broad beans overnight, then cook until tender before following the recipe steps.
  • Try broad bean hummus: Blend cooked broad beans with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil to make a creamy vegan dip.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1 cup cooked)
Calories 150 kcal
Protein 10 g
Carbohydrates 25 g
Dietary Fiber 8 g
Fat 1.5 g
Iron 2.5 mg
Vitamin C 15 mg
Folate 150 mcg

Serving Suggestions

Broad beans pair beautifully with a variety of other vegan-friendly dishes. For a wholesome meal, serve your broad bean stew over fluffy quinoa or brown rice.

You can also accompany it with crusty whole grain bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

For a lighter option, try tossing cooked broad beans into fresh green salads or grain bowls with roasted vegetables and tahini dressing. You might enjoy pairing broad beans with other recipes such as Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or a vibrant Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes for a complete plant-based feast.

Vegan Broad Bean Recipe Ideas Listicle

Broad Bean and Mint Salad

  • Combine cooked broad beans with fresh mint, lemon zest, and a drizzle of olive oil.
  • Add cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced red onions for brightness.
  • Serve chilled as a refreshing side or light lunch.

Creamy Broad Bean Dip

  • Blend cooked broad beans with garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and a pinch of cumin.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Enjoy with pita bread, vegetable sticks, or as a spread on sandwiches.

Broad Bean and Potato Curry

  • Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger with curry spices.
  • Add diced potatoes and broad beans, simmer with coconut milk.
  • Serve over basmati rice for a comforting meal.

Broad Bean and Tomato Pasta

Broad Bean and Spinach Soup

  • Simmer broad beans with vegetable broth, garlic, and onion.
  • Add fresh spinach and blend part of the soup for creamy texture.
  • Season with thyme and black pepper.

Conclusion

Broad beans are a fantastic ingredient for anyone embracing vegan cooking. Their nutritional benefits combined with their delightful texture and flavor make them an excellent addition to many dishes.

From simple salads to hearty stews, broad beans can elevate your meals with wholesome goodness.

Experimenting with these recipes will not only expand your culinary repertoire but also help you enjoy a diverse, balanced plant-based diet. Remember, broad beans are easy to prepare and versatile, so don’t hesitate to get creative and add your own twist.

For more delicious and healthy vegan recipes, check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or the comforting Harvest Hash Recipe. Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Broad Bean Stew

Description: A hearty and nutritious vegan stew featuring fresh broad beans and fragrant spices. Perfect for a wholesome, plant-based meal.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh broad beans, shelled
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 lemon, juiced

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
  3. Stir in cumin and smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add broad beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 14 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 28 g

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Marta K

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