The Stinky Chef: Fava e pecorino (broad beans and pecorino cheese)
During these strange and uncertain times, we’re all in need of a pick-me-up. And what better than something to feed the body as well as the soul? In our current cookery series, James Gingell from The Stinky Chef deli in Rawtenstall, Lancashire shares a selection of delicious recipes.
Gingell says: “Fava, or broad beans, are common throughout the Mediterranean and date back to 6000 BC where they were known to be a snack favoured by the ancient Greeks and Romans. In this simple recipe, the young peeled beans are paired with Pecorino Romano, a hard, salty cheese made from sheep’s milk. However, the recipe will work just as well with other hard cheeses like Parmesan or Manchego.”
Fava e pecorino (broad beans and pecorino cheese)
Ingredients
Serves 4
800g Broad beans (peeled)
120g Pecorino cheese
½ lemon (squeezed)
60 ml extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper
Ideally, it’s best to use new season broad beans removed from the pod and blanched in salted boiling water for five minutes before removing and placing in ice-cold water. Alternatively, you can you use defrosted frozen broad beans, but it’s not quite the same.
Remove the outer skin from each bean and discard, placing the beans into a small mixing bowl.
Next, cut the pecorino into 1cm-long matchsticks and then carefully add to the beans.
Now, add a good quality olive oil, 1/2 a squeezed lemon and salt and pepper to the beans and cheese. Dress gently to combine the flavours.
Arrange neatly on small plates and serve with toasted Italian bread. A great component to any antipasti spread or as a simple starter or side accompaniment.
Buon appetito.
Editor's Picks
Advertising and Sponsorship Opportunities
Is your organisation interested in supporting quality journalism about culture, life and enterprise in the North of England?
For advertising and sponsorship opportunities contact Northern Soul’s Founder and Editor Helen Hugent at helennugent@northernsoul.me.uk.
Sign up for Northern Soul newsletter
The Northern Soul Poll

Recent Tweets for @Northern_Soul_
We’re loving the latest long-player from Liverpool’s @michaelheadtreb this week. pic.twitter.com/tNAAS1pl78
"They smiled and bottles clinked. And that was how I got to hang out with The Eagles." Music review: The Eagles, Anfield, Liverpool northernsoul.me.uk/music-revi… pic.twitter.com/C1xmPVu8BW
A very happy birthday to Northern Soul favourite and Manchester legend Clint Boon, who is 63 today. @therealboon pic.twitter.com/GPA1sSBJuG
Spotted in Manchester's Northern Quarter. (photo by RM) pic.twitter.com/FcFSbbvtZ9
#GinnelWatch #ShowUsYourGinnels South Queensferry ginnel by Helen N pic.twitter.com/QT8Y8SIKKV
0 comments