Lunch: Pea, Asparagus, and Fava Bean Salad

Recipe by Melissa Hamilton and Christopher Hirsheimer With favas, you have two choices: Buy fresh, or buy frozen ones at Middle Eastern markets.

This recipe includes fertility superfoods such as:

Lemon, Asparagus

Health and fertility benefits of Pea, Asparagus, and Fava Bean Salad

Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. We don't have any research on Asparagus as a fertility food yet. Please leave your review below if you are able to provide details about asparagus.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon finely grated Pecorino or Parmesan
1 tablespoon (or more) fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
2 cups fresh fava beans (from about 2 pounds pods) or frozen fava beans, thawed
2 bunches asparagus, trimmed, stalks peeled if thick
1 cup shelled fresh peas (from about 1 pound pods) or frozen peas, thawed
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 shallot, thinly sliced
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Instructions

Whisk olive oil, Pecorino, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a medium bowl to blend. Season with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired. Set dressing aside.
If using fresh fava beans, cook in a large saucepan of boiling salted water until tender, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a colander set in a bowl of ice water (do not cook frozen beans). Drain and peel; place in a large bowl.
Return water in saucepan to a boil; add asparagus and cook until just tender, about 4 minutes. Using tongs, transfer to colander in ice water.
If using fresh peas, return water in saucepan to a boil; add peas and cook until tender, about 3 minutes (do not cook frozen peas). Drain; transfer to colander in ice water. Drain vegetables. Add to bowl with fava beans.
Combine vegetable oil and shallot in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until shallot is golden brown and crisp, 10-12 minutes. Transfer shallot to a paper towel-lined plate.
Add dressing to bowl with vegetables, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Transfer salad to a serving platter and top with shallot and bacon.
DO AHEAD: Dressing and vegetables can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover separately and chill.

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