Bacon reinforces the savory side of creamy bean earthiness, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
beans, fava
+ Add to WorkbenchAbout this ingredient
Double-husked legumes with a rich, earthy sweetness and a faintly bitter edge that distinguishes them from other beans. Among the oldest cultivated foods in th…
65 pairings
Editorial
Flavor profile
Fava beans (broad beans) require more work than most legumes — the pods are inedible, and each bean has a tough outer skin that must be removed after blanching, a labor-intensive process that rewards effort with a silky, vivid green interior. Young, small favas in early spring can sometimes be eaten raw or barely cooked; large, starchy ones later in the season need longer cooking and benefit more from being pureed. The slightly bitter, mineral edge is a welcome counterpoint to fatty, rich ingredients — they are classically served with sautéed pancetta, with pecorino, or in Egyptian ful medames (with olive oil, lemon, and cumin). Their affinities are broad — olive oil, garlic, lemon, mint, and cured pork all draw out their complexity without fighting the bitterness. People with G6PD deficiency (favism) must avoid fava beans entirely, as certain compounds trigger a potentially dangerous hemolytic reaction.
Pairings
Flavor relationships
Pairs well with
bacon
basil
butter, unsalted
cheese, dry feta
cheese, manchego
cheese, parmesan
cheese, pecorino
cheese, ricotta
cheese, sheep's milk
chile peppers
chives, fresh
cilantro
corn
cream
cumin
curry
dill
duck
falafel
fennel
fish
garlic
gnocchi
greens, bitter
ham
herbs
lamb
leeks
lemon, juice
lentils
lobster
mint
oil, walnut
olive oil
onions
orange, zest
oregano
parsley, flat-leaf
pasta
peas
pepper, black
poultry
prosciutto
rabbit
radishes
rice and risotto
rosemary
sage, fresh
salads
salt, kosher
salt, sea
savory
shellfish
shallots
soups
spinach
steak
stir-fries
stock, chicken
thyme
tomatoes
vinaigrette
vinegar, cider
walnuts
yogurt
bacon
Bacon reinforces the savory side of creamy bean earthiness, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
basil
Basil gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
butter, unsalted
Butter, unsalted adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
cheese, dry feta
Cheese, dry feta contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame creamy bean earthiness without overwhelming it.
cheese, manchego
Cheese, manchego contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame creamy bean earthiness without overwhelming it.
cheese, parmesan
Cheese, parmesan contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame creamy bean earthiness without overwhelming it.
cheese, pecorino
Cheese, pecorino contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame creamy bean earthiness without overwhelming it.
cheese, ricotta
Cheese, ricotta contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame creamy bean earthiness without overwhelming it.
cheese, sheep's milk
Cheese, sheep's milk contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame creamy bean earthiness without overwhelming it.
chile peppers
Chile peppers adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
chives, fresh
Chives, fresh gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
cilantro
Cilantro gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
corn
Corn gives creamy bean earthiness a sturdy, comforting base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel complete.
cream
Cream adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
cumin
Cumin adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
curry
Curry adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
dill
Dill gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
duck
Duck reinforces the savory side of creamy bean earthiness, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
falafel
Falafel complements beans, fava by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to creamy bean earthiness.
fennel
Fennel adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
fish
Fish pairs with creamy bean earthiness by adding clean marine umami while keeping the overall flavor delicate.
garlic
Garlic adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
gnocchi
Gnocchi gives creamy bean earthiness a sturdy, comforting base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel complete.
greens, bitter
Greens, bitter adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
ham
Ham reinforces the savory side of creamy bean earthiness, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
herbs
Herbs gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
lamb
Lamb reinforces the savory side of creamy bean earthiness, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
leeks
Leeks adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
lemon, juice
Lemon, juice brings acidity that cuts through creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
lentils
Lentils complements beans, fava by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to creamy bean earthiness.
lobster
Lobster pairs with creamy bean earthiness by adding clean marine umami while keeping the overall flavor delicate.
mint
Mint gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
oil, walnut
Oil, walnut adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
olive oil
Olive oil adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
onions
Onions adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
orange, zest
Orange, zest brings acidity that cuts through creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
oregano
Oregano gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
parsley, flat-leaf
Parsley, flat-leaf gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
pasta
Pasta gives creamy bean earthiness a sturdy, comforting base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel complete.
peas
Peas adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
pepper, black
Pepper, black adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
poultry
Poultry reinforces the savory side of creamy bean earthiness, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
prosciutto
Prosciutto reinforces the savory side of creamy bean earthiness, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
rabbit
Rabbit reinforces the savory side of creamy bean earthiness, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
radishes
Radishes adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
rice and risotto
Rice and risotto gives creamy bean earthiness a sturdy, comforting base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel complete.
rosemary
Rosemary gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
sage, fresh
Sage, fresh gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
salads
Salads adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
salt, kosher
Salt, kosher complements beans, fava by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to creamy bean earthiness.
salt, sea
Salt, sea complements beans, fava by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to creamy bean earthiness.
savory
Savory gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
shellfish
Shellfish pairs with creamy bean earthiness by adding clean marine umami while keeping the overall flavor delicate.
shallots
Shallots adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
soups
Soups gives creamy bean earthiness a sturdy, comforting base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel complete.
spinach
Spinach adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
steak
Steak reinforces the savory side of creamy bean earthiness, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
stir-fries
Stir-fries complements beans, fava by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to creamy bean earthiness.
stock, chicken
Stock, chicken gives creamy bean earthiness a sturdy, comforting base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel complete.
thyme
Thyme gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
tomatoes
Tomatoes adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
vinaigrette
Vinaigrette complements beans, fava by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to creamy bean earthiness.
vinegar, cider
Vinegar, cider brings acidity that cuts through creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
walnuts
Walnuts adds toasted richness and gentle bitterness that make creamy bean earthiness taste rounder and more substantial.
yogurt
Yogurt adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
Basil gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
butter, unsalted
Butter, unsalted adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
cheese, dry feta
Cheese, dry feta contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame creamy bean earthiness without overwhelming it.
Cheese, manchego contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame creamy bean earthiness without overwhelming it.
Cheese, parmesan contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame creamy bean earthiness without overwhelming it.
Cheese, pecorino contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame creamy bean earthiness without overwhelming it.
Cheese, ricotta contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame creamy bean earthiness without overwhelming it.
Cheese, sheep's milk contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame creamy bean earthiness without overwhelming it.
Chile peppers adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
chives, fresh
Chives, fresh gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
Cilantro gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
Corn gives creamy bean earthiness a sturdy, comforting base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel complete.
cream
Cream adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
Cumin adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
curry
Curry adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
Dill gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
Duck reinforces the savory side of creamy bean earthiness, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
falafel
Falafel complements beans, fava by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to creamy bean earthiness.
Fennel adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
Fish pairs with creamy bean earthiness by adding clean marine umami while keeping the overall flavor delicate.
Garlic adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
gnocchi
Gnocchi gives creamy bean earthiness a sturdy, comforting base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel complete.
greens, bitter
Greens, bitter adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
Ham reinforces the savory side of creamy bean earthiness, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
herbs
Herbs gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
Lamb reinforces the savory side of creamy bean earthiness, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
Leeks adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
lemon, juice
Lemon, juice brings acidity that cuts through creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
Lentils complements beans, fava by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to creamy bean earthiness.
Lobster pairs with creamy bean earthiness by adding clean marine umami while keeping the overall flavor delicate.
Mint gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
Oil, walnut adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
Olive oil adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
Onions adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
orange, zest
Orange, zest brings acidity that cuts through creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
Oregano gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
parsley, flat-leaf
Parsley, flat-leaf gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
Pasta gives creamy bean earthiness a sturdy, comforting base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel complete.
Peas adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
Pepper, black adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
poultry
Poultry reinforces the savory side of creamy bean earthiness, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
Prosciutto reinforces the savory side of creamy bean earthiness, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
Rabbit reinforces the savory side of creamy bean earthiness, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
Radishes adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
rice and risotto
Rice and risotto gives creamy bean earthiness a sturdy, comforting base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel complete.
Rosemary gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
sage, fresh
Sage, fresh gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
salads
Salads adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
Salt, kosher complements beans, fava by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to creamy bean earthiness.
salt, sea
Salt, sea complements beans, fava by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to creamy bean earthiness.
Savory gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
Shellfish pairs with creamy bean earthiness by adding clean marine umami while keeping the overall flavor delicate.
Shallots adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
soups
Soups gives creamy bean earthiness a sturdy, comforting base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel complete.
Spinach adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
steak
Steak reinforces the savory side of creamy bean earthiness, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
stir-fries
Stir-fries complements beans, fava by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to creamy bean earthiness.
stock, chicken
Stock, chicken gives creamy bean earthiness a sturdy, comforting base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel complete.
Thyme gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
Tomatoes adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
vinaigrette
Vinaigrette complements beans, fava by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to creamy bean earthiness.
Vinegar, cider brings acidity that cuts through creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
Walnuts adds toasted richness and gentle bitterness that make creamy bean earthiness taste rounder and more substantial.
Yogurt adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.