If you’re looking to add a flavorful and nutritious touch to your meals, fermented foods are a fantastic option. Not only do they provide a boost to your gut health, but they also introduce a unique depth of flavor that can enhance a variety of dishes. Fermented Broad Beans, or as we like to call them, “Dancing Broad Beans,” are a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. This simple recipe will guide you through the process of fermenting broad beans to create a delicious and tangy treat that can be enjoyed on its own or as an accompaniment to your favorite dishes.
Dancing Broad Beans
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh broad beans
– 1 tablespoon sea salt
– 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
– 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
– 1 tablespoon dill seeds
– Filtered water
Instructions:
1. Prepare the broad beans by rinsing them thoroughly under cold water. Trim the ends and remove any blemished spots.
2. In a clean glass jar, layer the broad beans, smashed garlic cloves, black peppercorns, and dill seeds. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the jar.
3. Dissolve the sea salt in a small amount of filtered water to create a brine. Pour the brine over the broad beans in the jar, ensuring that the beans are fully submerged.
4. Place a weight on top of the broad beans to keep them submerged in the brine. This can be a smaller jar filled with water or a specifically designed fermentation weight.
5. Cover the jar with a clean cloth or paper towel and secure it with a rubber band to allow for air circulation while keeping out any contaminants.
6. Allow the broad beans to ferment at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, for 3-5 days. Check the jar daily to ensure the beans remain submerged and to monitor the fermentation process.
7. Taste the broad beans after the initial fermentation period. If they have reached your desired level of tanginess, transfer the jar to the refrigerator to slow down the fermentation process. The flavors will continue to develop over time.
8. Once refrigerated, the Dancing Broad Beans can be enjoyed as a flavorful snack, added to salads, or served alongside your favorite dishes.
Fermenting broad beans is a rewarding process that yields a tasty and versatile ingredient to elevate your culinary creations. Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of your Dancing Broad Beans. This fermented delicacy not only adds a zesty kick to your meals but also provides a dose of gut-friendly probiotics. So, get fermenting and let your taste buds dance with delight!
