Peruvian Fava Bean Stew: Picante de Habas Recipe

If you're looking for a healthy yet hearty stew to enjoy for lunch or dinner, then this Peruvian Fava Bean Stew might be perfect for you!

Peruvian cuisine is celebrated for its variety and fusion of flavours, and Picante de Habas is no exception! Grown in the Andes, fava beans (or "habas") are the star ingredient of this stew, which is slowly cooked in a creamy, spicy sauce for a warm and satisfying meal.

Discover more about this traditional Andean dish and how you can prepare it in your own kitchen.

What is Picante de Habas?

Picante de Habas is a traditional Peruvian stew made with habas (fava beans) that are slowly cooked in a rich, spicy, and creamy sauce. Like many Peruvian dishes, it features a combination of ingredients that give it a bold, unique flavour.

Fava beans, along with potatoes and corn, have long been staples in the Andean diet. This dish is one of the most common ways to enjoy these nutritious beans in a flavourful stew.

What are Fava Beans?

Also known as broad beans, fava beans are large, flat, green legumes that come in pods. They thrive in high-altitude climates and play a key role in the cuisine of many countries, thanks to their excellent nutritional value and high protein content.

The soft, creamy texture of fava beans makes them ideal for soups and stews. In Peruvian cities like Cusco and Puno, various dishes feature fava beans, as well as popular snacks like habas secas (dried fava beans).

How to make Peruvian Broad Bean Stew

1. Soak the Fava Beans: Before cooking, soak the fava beans for several hours to soften them. If using dried beans, boil them in a large pot until tender.

   
   

2. Prepare the Sauce: In a large pan, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Fry the onion and garlic until softened, then add the ají amarillo and ají panca pastes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt, cumin, and oregano, and stir well.
   

3. Add the Beans: Stir the cooked fava beans into the spice mixture. Pour in the stock and milk, allowing the mixture to simmer gently until it thickens.
   

4. Serve: Garnish your Picante de Habas with chopped cilantro and serve with white rice.

Picante de Habas Recipe

Prefer a visual guide? Watch the video below to see how to make this comforting dish step-by-step.

Picante de Habas Ingredients

• 1 large onion

• 500 gr of broad/fava beans

• 3 potatoes

• 4 cloves of garlic

• 4 cups of water

• 2 tablespoons of aji amarillo paste

• 1 teaspoon of oregano

• 1/2 cup of evaporated milk

• 120 gr of cheese

• 3 tablespoons of chopped coriander

• Salt and pepper to taste