Fava Bean Dip with Green Garlic

Ingredients:

1 cup shelled fava beans (about 1 pound unshelled)

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. + 1 Tbs. olive oil, divided

⅓ c. green chopped green garlic

½ tsp. lemon zest

1 Tbs. fresh-squeezed lemon juice

2 Tbs. water

2 oz. goat cheese (optional)

salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

To shell the fava beans, squeeze the bean pods so that the shelled beans fall into a bowl.  If you prefer, you can remove the outer skin from each bean, but this step is not necessary.  Bring a pot of water to boil and add the 1 tsp. salt.  Add the shelled fava beans and cook for 5 minutes, until bright green.  Drain beans and submerge in a bowl of ice water.  Let sit for 1-2 minutes, then drain again and add beans to a food processor.

Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add 2 tsp. olive oil.  Add the green garlic and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.  Remove from heat and add to the food processor, along with the beans.  Add the remaining 1 Tbs. olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, 2 Tbs. water, and goat cheese (if using).  Pulse until smooth.  Add additional water or olive oil if needed to achieve a smooth texture.  Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.  Store leftover dip in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator.