Broad Beans, skinned or not?

[RATTER15]

I have always loved broad beans but not had them for years, we are having them tonight with roast pork. we have been looking at recipes and they all say they should be removed from their pods (obviously) and then blanched and peeled, I don't think I have ever had broad beans peeled before, is that a fancy "chefi" thing or has it always been done that way, did you Mothers skin the beans, do you skin broad beans.
It could be that I have just never seen it done and I have been eating them that way all along, I dont know.

[Maydup]

No I've never peeled them Ratter, nor did my Mum.

enjoy

[snags]

''is that a fancy "chefi" thing''

Yes. Some chefs feel the need to peel garden peas too...

[Mamyalynne]

I always double pod them as find the papery skin indigestible.

[gingejbee]

Ideally, yes. Similarly, tomatoes and peppers should be skinned for some dishes.....but life's too short!

[Mamyalynne]

Broad beans that is .

[pretty_snowdrop]

Nah, don't peel them. My mother never peeled them and neither did my Grandma.x

[welshlibranr]

No I have never peeled them, as long as they're young and fresh I don't see the point!.........

[RATTER15]

Im so glad you are all saying that, personally I think I would prefer them with skins on, I like the texture of the skins but tonight, no skins.

Also, Carakeel said that when she stayed in the USA she came across "wax" beans, would these be our broad beans? because the skins are a little waxy.

[pretty_snowdrop]

When broad beans are past their best, their skins become waxy and a bit tough. I don't know if they are the same as wax beans though.x

[EcclesCake]

Early in the season I think you can get away without double podding them, by now the beans I am using benefit from being podded and skinned. Apart from the change in texture I think when they've been skinned the vibrant colour really makes a difference.

[cazzz1975]

I like to reduce them in a meat jus

[RATTER15]

It appears from Google that wax beans are our butter beans.

[DTCwordfan]

Not that I am the biggest fan, a legacy from school days, but this is wonderful, particularly with a little bastardisation from a smidge of maple syrup, chipotle pepper and rosemary at the last minute (on the beans cooking)

http://www.raymondbla...ith-butter-beans.aspx

[scotman]

I have never been a fan of these and have never cooked them myself. I don't think I have ever had them skinned which may have something to do with my dislike of them. Also they were probably overcooked.

[merciasounds]

If they get too big or 'old' the skins can be tough, but otherwise i never bother

[DTCwordfan]

I agree scotman, but when they are cooked "fresh" and handled well, they are indeed excellent - the issue we faced was school food (I am assuming) as avec moi, completement foutu......and then rehashed, masquerading as something else and eventually une soup, but that is an insult to soup.

[Maydup]

Awww who mentioned butter beans? I love, love LOVE 'em.