Step 1

Pull back on the tip of the pod, and "unzip" it, opening the pod and removing the beans. Alternately, you can use the tip of a paring knife to gently open the pod along the seam, being careful not to cut the beans. You will have roughly one cup of fava beans after shelling.

Step 2

Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to a boil, and fill a small bowl with ice water and set aside. Add about a teaspoon of salt to the water, and add the fava beans. Turn down the heat and simmer at a gentle boil for 1 minute. Drain immediately and pour the beans into the ice water to stop the cooking process.

Step 3

Drain the beans and gently squeeze from the waxy outer skin. The bean are now ready for your pastas, soups, salads, and purees!