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Favas com Chouriço: How to Make This Classic Portuguese Dish

Jorge Bastos
Discover how to make Favas com Chouriço, a traditional Portuguese recipe that’s homemade and delicious. Step-by-step with practical tips.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Tablespoon
  • Peeler

Ingredients
  

  • 1 good-quality chouriço
  • 50 g bacon about 2 oz
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 kg frozen favas about 2.2 lbs
  • 1 large onion
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 400 g about 14 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 2 large carrots
  • 1 small piri-piri chili pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Peel the favas.
  • Chop the onion and garlic, cut the bacon into strips, and slice the chouriço. Take this time to peel the carrots and cut them into rounds or cubes, depending on your preference.
  • Sauté the onion and garlic in a little olive oil — you don’t need much, as the bacon and chouriço will release plenty of fat.
  • Once the onion is golden, add the bacon and chouriço. Let them cook for about 5 minutes so they release their fat and flavor.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, and piri piri chili pepper, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes.
  • Then, add the favas and carrots.
  • If needed, add a little boiling water. The sauce should be plentiful but not too watery.
  • Let the favas cook for 20 to 30 minutes, until tender and soft.
  • Adjust the seasoning and, if needed, add a bit more water to keep the sauce generous.
  • Once the sauce is thick and the favas are fully cooked, remove from the heat. It’s ready to serve.