This week, we are sharing another great, creative recipe from www.thekidscookmonday.org. We love to try different cultural dishes, as they are usually packed with flavor and nutrition! Different cultures usually consume and prepare different, healthy varieties of whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables. We are loving this Mediterranean-inspired dish, which uses a traditional Egyptian bean as the main protein. We also really love that this site provides helpful ways to divide the get kids involved in the meal prep. Which ethnic dish is your favorite? Share your favorite ways to add more greens to traditional dishes!

“Removing fava beans from their pods and inner peels is actually easier for smaller hands, which makes it the perfect project for your chef-in-training. A wide variety of breads can be used in these delectable crostini, which show off the fresh flavors of springtime. This recipe comes to us from Stacie and Simran of A Little Yumminess.”

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 pound fresh fava beans in their pods

1/4 cup goat cheese

salt and pepper, to taste

4 English muffins

or

8 slices baguette, sliced in half

grated parmesan, to taste for garnish

Adult: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat.

Kid: Remove the fava beans’ outer pods. Discard the pods.

Adult: Blanch the beans in the boiling water for 3-5 minutes, or until the outside peel has softened. Transfer to a colander and rinse with cold water to cool the beans.

Kid: Peel off the fava’s inner peel with your fingers to reveal the bright green fava beans underneath. Discard the peels.

Together: Mash the beans together with the goat cheese in the medium pot. Season the fava bean-goat cheese mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

Together: Toast the English muffins or sliced baguette to preference. Spread the fava bean-goat cheese mixture on top of each toast, sprinkle with parmesan to taste and enjoy!

By Dahlia Marin, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist