Broad Beans are ready for Harvest!

Growing:

Broad Beans are one of the easiest crops to grow in a school garden. Because they grow through the winter, watering is not usually an issue until October. Sow the big seeds directly into the soil between June and August, and by October/November they should be cropping well. They are easy to find and pick, and because the plants are in the legume family, they add nitrogen to the soil. Cooking: Broad beans are not to everyone’s taste, and the older, larger beans have a tough coating which may require peeling. The following recipe is very tasty and popular with children. All children can pick some beans, pod them and place them in a saucepan. When the humous is ready, children can break into groups of 4 with a plate, some biscuits and some dip in a cup.

Broad Bean Hummus Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 kg broad beans (unpodded)

1 cloves garlic

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

2 sprigs oregano

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Juice of 1 lemon

½ cup olive oil

Method: Pod the beans, then place in a saucepan with 1-2 centimetres of water. Steam for 15-20 minutes. Place the cooked beans and other ingredients into a food processor. Puree until smooth Serve with carrot sticks and celery, or dry biscuits

Enjoy!

– Ian O’Loughlin, Sessional Educator