Favas are fleshy, broad beans; although they may remind you of lima beans in looks, they’re less starchy and fuller flavored. Choose firm, brightly colored pods that show bumps from the beans inside. Except when very young (a half inch or smaller), shelled favas need a quick blanching so their outer skin can be removed before further cooking: Dunk shucked beans in boiling water for a minute or two, drain, plunge them into an ice bath, slip off the skins, and proceed with your recipe. Stir fava beans into a spring lamb stew, or simmer a vegetable ragoût of favas, shallots, artichoke hearts, asparagus, and fresh herbs. Sauté favas in a little olive oil to make an olive-oil-and-garlic-spiked purée to smear on toast or to serve as a side dish.