A delightful dish featuring tender fava beans simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce, perfect for a hearty meal.
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Ensure the oil is hot enough to sizzle when you add the onions, but not smoking.
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the saucepan and sauté until golden.
Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning, as it can turn bitter.
Stir in the red pepper flakes, tomato sauce, hot water, and paprika.
Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed in the sauce.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to maintain a saucy consistency.
Gently fold in the fava beans and let them warm through for a few minutes.
Be gentle to avoid breaking the beans, preserving their texture.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Chop the parsley finely for a more even distribution of flavor and color.