Italian Scafata with Fava Beans and Artichokes

Name: Italian Scafata with Fava Beans and Artichokes
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) fresh fava beans; 8 small artichokes; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 small onion; 2 cloves garlic; 1 (14 oz) can whole tomatoes; 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable broth; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup fresh parsley; 1 sprig fresh thyme; 1 sprig fresh rosemary; 1 bay leaf

A hearty and flavorful vegetable stew

Scafata is a traditional Italian vegetable stew featuring tender fava beans and artichokes, infused with aromatic herbs and tomatoes. Perfect for a cozy meal.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Scafata

1 lb (450g) fresh fava beans

shelled

8 small artichokes

trimmed and quartered

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 small onion

finely chopped

2 cloves garlic

minced

1 (14 oz) can whole tomatoes

crushed by hand

1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable broth

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 cup fresh parsley

chopped

For the Aromatics

1 sprig fresh thyme

1 sprig fresh rosemary

1 bay leaf

Preparation

Preparing the Fava Beans and Artichokes

Blanch and Peel Fava Beans

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add fava beans and boil for 2 minutes, then drain and transfer to an ice bath. Once cooled, remove and discard the outer skin.

Fava beans can overcook quickly, so be attentive during preparation.

Prevent Artichoke Browning

Prepare a bowl of water with a bit of lemon juice and salt; add artichoke quarters to prevent browning.

Drain Artichokes

Drain artichokes just before using.

Preparing the Base

Sauté Onion and Garlic

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent.

Cook Tomatoes

Add the tomatoes, and cook for 5 minutes until slightly reduced.

Add Broth and Seasoning

Stir in vegetable broth, salt, and pepper.

Pair this dish with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious broth.

Cooking Process

Simmer Stew

Add prepared fava beans and artichokes to the pot with tomatoes and stir well.

Infuse Flavor

Add thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Cover and let simmer for 40–45 minutes.

Stir in Parsley

Stir in parsley, adjusting seasoning as needed.

Plating & Serving