Fave e Cicoria
Fave e Cicoria is a rustic, traditional dish from Southern Italy, particularly Puglia, featuring a creamy purée of dried fava beans served alongside sautéed or boiled bitter greens like chicory or turnip tops. It is a simple, hearty staple often flavored with garlic, olive oil, and sometimes a pinch of chili.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is primarily a source of plant-based protein and complex carbohydrates from the fava beans, with the greens adding fiber, iron, and vitamins A and C. A typical serving is moderate in calories, roughly around 300-400 kcal, and is naturally low in fat unless generously dressed with olive oil.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbs | 22 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Calcium | 180 mg |
| Potassium | 650 mg |
| Magnesium | 80 mg |
| Vitamin A | 300 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Folate | 120 mcg DFE |
| Vitamin K | 90 mcg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a celebrated example of 'cucina povera' (peasant cooking), transforming humble ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal. Nutritionally, the combination of legumes and greens creates a complete protein profile and offers a powerful, fiber-rich boost for digestive health.
