Baccelli or fave

Fava Beans or Broad Beans.
What Tuscans call “baccelli” and Brits call “broad beans” go by “fava beans” in the US or “fave” in much of Italy. Throughout Tuscany these big, broad, bright green pods are a sign of Spring, and consuming them raw is a an annual rite. They are served whole, brought to the table in copious quantities along with a large chunk of young pecorino cheese. (Make sure to use a young Tuscan pecorino which is mild and smooth and not the super salty Pecorino Romano). Break the pods open and run your thumb along the inside letting the beans tumble onto the plate. Carve off a slice of cheese. Eat. Let the pods pile up on the table.

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