Fava Bean Cakes
Tender, slightly chewy cakes made with steamed fava beans and glutinous rice flour. These mild-flavored patties are perfect as a snack or light appetizer, with a subtle earthy taste that pairs well with dipping sauces.
Story
These simple bean cakes bring out the natural sweetness of fresh fava beans. The glutinous rice flour gives them a pleasant, slightly sticky texture that's satisfying without being heavy. You can pan-fry them for a crispy exterior or enjoy them soft right after shaping.
Ingredients
fresh fava beans in pods
300g
glutinous rice flour
100g
boiling water
60g
salt
1/2 teaspoon
ground black pepper
a pinch, optional
vegetable oil
for cooking
Instructions
1
Prep the beans
Shell the fava beans from their pods. Remove the pale outer skin from each bean by gently pressing and sliding it off. You should have about 150g of peeled beans.
2
Steam until tender
Place the peeled beans in a steamer basket or colander. Steam over boiling water for about 15 minutes until they're completely soft and easy to mash.
3
Mash and season
Transfer the hot beans to a bowl. Mash them with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth but still with a little texture. Mix in the salt and pepper if using.
4
Make the dough
Put 50g of the glutinous rice flour in a small bowl. Pour the boiling water over it while stirring constantly until a thick paste forms. Add this paste to the remaining flour, then mix everything together with your hands until you have a smooth, non-sticky dough. If it feels too dry, add water one tablespoon at a time.
5
Combine and shape
Add the bean mash to the dough and knead until fully combined. Divide into 8 equal portions and roll each into a ball, then flatten into a small disc about 1cm thick.
6
Cook the cakes
Heat a thin layer of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Cook the cakes for 3-4 minutes per side until they're golden brown and cooked through. Serve warm.
