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Orecchiette with Faba Beans and Tomatoes

Orecchiette with Faba Beans and Tomatoes

A quick pantry pasta of faba (broad) beans, diced tomatoes, capers and anchovy tossed with small shells — savoury, hearty and ready in under 30 minutes.

Yield Serves 4
Total Time 25 minutes
Main Ingredients Broad Beans (Fava)
Category Pasta, Soups & Rice

Prep: 10 minutes  ·  Cook: 15 minutes

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Orecchiette with Faba Beans and Tomatoes — prepared dish

What Is Orecchiette with Faba Beans and Tomatoes?

A rustic Puglian-style pasta combining creamy faba (broad) beans with diced tomatoes, briny capers and anchovy in a quick skillet sauce for small shells.

Why Make Orecchiette with Faba Beans and Tomatoes?

Unico Products Used in This Recipe

Orecchiette with Faba Beans and Tomatoes — Shopping List (4 servings)

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic (large, peeled and lightly crushed)
  • 1 tbsp capers (rinsed and chopped)
  • 2 anchovy fillets (chopped)
  • 540 mL diced tomatoes (drained)
  • 540 mL broad (faba) beans (drained)
  • salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 450 g baby shells (or orecchiette)
Adjust servings 4

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the garlic and cook until golden on all sides, then discard it.
  2. Add the capers, anchovies and tomatoes; cook and stir until the tomatoes soften, 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the beans, season with salt and pepper, and stir for a minute or two, then turn off the heat.
  4. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta as directed on the package.
  5. Drain the pasta, add it to the skillet and toss well until pasta and sauce are combined.

Cooking Tips

  • Rinse the capers so they season, not overpower
  • Let the anchovies melt into the warm oil
  • Drain the beans well so the sauce stays thick
  • Save a little pasta water to loosen the sauce
  • Finish with good olive oil at the table

Frequently Asked Questions About Orecchiette with Faba Beans and Tomatoes

  1. 1. What are faba beans?

    Faba (fava) beans are the same as broad beans — large, creamy legumes common in southern-Italian cooking.

  2. 2. Can I leave out the anchovies?

    Yes, though they add savoury depth; compensate with a few extra capers.

  3. 3. What pasta shape works best?

    Orecchiette is traditional; small shells cradle the beans just as well.

  4. 4. Can I use a different bean?

    Chick peas or white kidney beans both work in the same quantities.

  5. 5. How do I store leftovers?

    Refrigerate up to 3 days; loosen with water when reheating.

Cooking Guides & Tips

Orecchiette with Faba Beans and Tomatoes Made Simple

Orecchiette with Faba Beans and Tomatoes is proof that a pantry can deliver real depth in minutes. Unico beans, tomatoes and capers do the heavy lifting.