Soramame-dofu / fava bean tofu

A smooth and creamy pudding-like side dish featuring fava beans. This is a seasonal variation of gomadofu, a popular item included in temple meals or set courses at restaurants. While solid molds are more common, using plastic film wrap results in a casual look at the end. The wasabi topping instantly makes this a great companion for a drink, too.

1/3 of recipe:
77 calories; 4.4 g protein; 1.8 g fat; 11.2 g carbohydrate; 10.1 g net carbs; 67 mg sodium (with 50% reduced-sodium soy sauce; 119 mg with regular soy sauce); 0 mg cholesterol; 1.1 g fiber

Nasu no hibari-ae / sauteed eggplant with mashed fava beans

Easy, pretty, tasty and filling. This simple Japanese dish knows no border and goes well with any cuisine!

1/2 of recipe:
95 calories; 5.3 g protein; 3.6 g fat; 10.9 g carbohydrate; 8.0 g net carbs; 92 mg sodium; 1 mg cholesterol; 2.9 g fiber

Ebi to soramame no shiraae / prawns and fava beans in tofu dressing

A golden combination of sweet prawns and softly bitter fava beans dressed with tofu dressing and a hint of sesame for a delightful aroma. 

Ebi no paeriya / paella with prawns

A party paella with botan-ebi spot shrimp at the height of their season! The broth is also made with spot shrimp, infusing the rice with the yummy flavor of shrimp at their best.

Soramame to ebi no kakiage / mixed tempura with fava beans and prawns

Tempura tastes best when made with in-season ingredients. Here is a great example of mixed tempura using fava beans and spot shrimp, both of which have a short season in our area. Bitter, starchy fava beans are a great companion for sweet prawns.

Tofu to soramame, ebi no yuzukosho-itame / stir-fried tofu, fava beans and prawns with yuzukosho

A gentle, mildly sweet yet slightly bitter combination of tofu, prawns and fava beans. The fruity spiciness of yuzukosho works the magic.

Soramame no Morokko-fu sarada / Moroccan-style fava bean salad

Cumin & paprika, olive oil & lemon. Do they sound like common pairs? Combine these familiar duos, add fresh cilantro, and you have a great dressing for a summery fava bean salad.

Soramame to ebi no marine sarada / marinated fava bean and prawn salad

The sharp taste of lemon softens after several hours. Finely chop onion for a chunky texture with a straightforward flavor, or grate it for a juicy dressing with a milder taste.

Soramame-iri safuran rizotto / saffron risotto with fava beans

Cheerful and aromatic. The combination of saffron and fava beans is simple enough to pair with any dish -- fish, meat, other beans and vegetables.

Soramame to ebi no tamagotoji / fava beans and prawns simmer-steamed with egg

A tender egg dish with a golden combination of fava beans and prawns. This pleasant oil-free dish is gentle enough for breakfast and for tired stomachs.

Yakisoramame / grilled fava beans

A super Tom-proof dish! It’s also the simplest way to enjoy fava beans in season. Grilling fava beans in their pods creates a steam-roasting effect, making the beans inside sweeter and more concentrated than when boiled.

Soramame to kani no tamagoyaki / omelet with fava beans and crab

Slightly bitter fava beans give the omelet color and texture. Peeling off fava bean skins takes a bit of time, but with crab meat, this omelet is worth the effort.

Soramame gohan / steamed rice with fava beans

One of my favorite ways to enjoy the mild bitterness of fava beans.