Maccu di Fave

Maccu di fave is a traditional southern Italian fava-bean purée associated with Sicily, Puglia and Calabria. This profile follows La Cucina Italiana's vegetable-and-wild-fennel version, leaving crostini and separately cooked greens as accompaniments.

Fava beans provide mellow earthiness and gentle sweetness, while onion, carrot, celery and garlic deepen the savoury base. Wild fennel adds anise fragrance and olive oil gives a fruity finish.

The beans collapse into a thick, pale green-beige cream with small pieces of softened vegetables. Wild fennel and olive oil sit visibly on the smooth, rustic surface.