I have just planted the fave (broad beans) a little late I know, but they are tonight safely tucked up in the warm terra. Planting them I thought of the delicious suppers we will have next Spring and I have a particularly memorable recipe to share.
When we first came to this Marche hill town I would stop on the way down the hill and speak to my lovely neighbour Liana who was often in her orto (allotment), a steep well organised patch with spectacular view of the mountains. However she was never gazing at the vista instead was busy with her work tending her peach trees, olive trees, apricot trees, lettuce, cabbage and vines that she and her husband grew. Her fave were tender and luscious.
One day, as we were talking, she pulled handful of green pods from her plants and pushed them into my arms for me to take home. So that early June evening I cooked some spaghetti, threw Liana's fresh beans in at the last minute and served stirred with a little olive oil.
It was one of the most delicious suppers we have eaten here and everything to do with Liana's fave, her knowledge, her generosity. I am not sure I ever told her how much it meant to us and I dearly wish I had as her orto is somewhat overgrown this year. She died suddenly this summer, much too soon. We miss you, Liana. Thank you for all the fave beans and for inspiring me to dig this Italian earth and plant my own.
