Beans with ham, traditional Spanish recipe

Broad beans with ham, or Habas con Jamón , is a traditional Spanish dish originating from Andalusia, showcasing fresh broad beans and Iberian ham . Simple, rustic, and naturally gluten-free , this recipe offers a perfect marriage of the sweetness of the beans and the salty flavor of the ham. Ideal for a light meal or typical tapas, this dish is a great way to discover Andalusian cuisine. Learn how to easily prepare this Spanish specialty at home.

Cooking method: Traditional

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 4

Special diet: naturally gluten-free

Ingredients

500g fresh shelled broad beans (or recooked frozen broad beans (like those from Picard))
150g of Serrano or Iberian ham (cut into small cubes)
1 onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves of garlic (minced)
3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
Salt (in moderation)
Black pepper (to taste)
1 small bunch of fresh parsley (optional, for decoration)

Preparation

1
Prepare the beans:
2
Shell the fresh broad beans. If they are very large, also remove the thin skin surrounding them by blanching them: Plunge them into a pan of boiling salted water for 2 minutes, then pass them under ice water.
3
Gently squeeze each bean between your fingers to remove the skin. If using frozen beans, follow the cooking instructions on the package (a few minutes in the microwave or in boiling water).
4
Cooking the beans and ham:
5
In a large frying pan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
6
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute, being careful not to burn them. Stir in the diced Serrano ham and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes to release their flavor. Add the shelled broad beans to the pan. Mix well and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the beans are tender but still slightly crisp. Season with a little salt (be careful, the ham is already salty) and a pinch of black pepper.
7
To plate the dish:
8
Remove the pan from the heat and arrange the beans with ham on a plate or serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot, with a drizzle of extra olive oil if you like.

Keywords: Broad beans with ham, Spanish recipe, Andalusian recipe, habas con jamon