[sueanthony]

Many of you will probably think me silly but I have never liked Broad Beans,however decided to give them a try this year, growing them on my allotment.  I had also read that taking the outer shells from them was a good idea.  I podded and shelled my BB and also podded some fresh peas too.  I can't believe how wonderful they were.  They were like nothing I had eaten before, totally different.  I remember them as a kid, being huge, chewy, quite sour tasting beans which were usually covered in some sauce to give them a little flavour.  I have totally changed my mind about BB, they are marvelous and I think they could now have become one of my favourite beans!!!!

[sunshineband]

Very fresh broad beans are gorgeous. Great for snacking on raw too 

Like you, I grew just a few, Mr Sunny is now converted so will grow tall croppers next year, as well as more rows 

[sueanthony]

Very fresh broad beans are gorgeous. Great for snacking on raw too 

Like you, I grew just a few, Mr Sunny is now converted so will grow tall croppers next year, as well as more rows 

OOh I like the sound of them raw, I might give them a go.  Do you have any nice recipes which you have tried and might recommend.  I have noticed quite a few recipes on the net in salads and risottos so was thinking about trying them myself.  Thanks for the replyX

[sunshineband]

Raw from a little bag is good -- stops me eating sweets 

We also had them plain boiled then added some chopped thyme leaves before serving with roast dinner, tries risotto, which was good, with parmesan too (took the skins off for this as the colour is gorgeous and they are sweeter like that)

They make a great salsa type thingy, chopped with mint and lemon juice (no skins again)

Shame we've eaten them all now really!

[sueanthony]

Raw from a little bag is good -- stops me eating sweets 

We also had them plain boiled then added some chopped thyme leaves before serving with roast dinner, tries risotto, which was good, with parmesan too (took the skins off for this as the colour is gorgeous and they are sweeter like that)

They make a great salsa type thingy, chopped with mint and lemon juice (no skins again)

Shame we've eaten them all now really!

Enough now.....you are making me hungry!! HEE HEE   Gonna check out my rows of BB tomorrow to see if I can find anymore to try out a recipe.  Thanks very much

[Yorkie]

Oh dear, another one gone over to the dark side 

Glad you do enjoy them, can't get my taste buds round the experience myself 

[sunshineband]

Sorry, I'll shut up about food now then  

[Lardman]

Everyone knows the best way to eat broad beans is with a nice slab of gammon, some new spuds, a few fresh peas and a dollop of butter.  

[sunshineband]

Careful Lardman, you'll be keeping sueanthony awake with that yummy combo 

[beth123]

Hi

This is my first attempt at growing broad beans, how do you know when to pick them?

[compostqueen]

I pick mine small but then I'm growing a smaller podded heritage variety. I'd not let them get too big. What variety have you grown?  Some grow to about 10" long while mine are only about 6" long. I wouldn't let them get too big as you don't want them old and tough. 

Recipe to try with broad beans - falafels, and fritters as per Jamie O's At Home book

I agree though that they are fantastic sizzled in the pan with the bacon and fried potatoes with beetroot. Served with some HP sauce

[Mosslane]

Love them just dropped in boiling water for a minute and eaten with new spuds and butter.

Had lovely mealyesterday, fried some lardons of bacon in their own juice, tossed in the beans and stirred them both into some cooked white rice. Really nice light supper dish.

[sloegin]

I'll post a recipe for a broad bean salad 

[PennyS]

My kids just sit there eating them straight from the pod.

I love them raw, with raw thinly sliced courgette, pine nuts, all mixed in with olive oil and lemon juice.  Leave it in the fridge for a few hours and it is just YUM.
I sometimes add lightly cooked French beans. 
 

[sloegin]

I'll post a recipe for a broad bean salad 

Posted a recipe to Val for broad bean, radish & tahini salad -