“Maccu di San Giuseppe” (or “Maccu ri San Giuseppi”) is a soup of poverty, often eaten in honor of Saint Joseph

Over time, this hearty peasant soup came to be linked with the festivities of the Feast Day of San Giuseppe (Saint Joseph), Sicily’s patron saint, celebrated every year on March 19 in many parts of Sicily and featuring dishes incorporating fava beans, which are closely associated with San Giuseppe and considered tokens of good luck.

Ingredients:

Soup:

•  1 lb mature dry fava beans beans

•  1/4 bulb of fennel or 2-3 stalks celery

•  3 carrots

• 1 large onion

• 2 cloves garlic

•  Water

• Chicken broth (optional)

•  Salt

Topping:

• 1 bunch wild mustard, broccoli rabe, mustard greens, kale, spinach, swiss chard, or broccoli flourettes

• 1 medium onion

•  4 cloves garlic

• Oil

•  Salt

Directions:

1. If preferred, soak beans in hot water with baking soda for 48 hours, altering the water just after 24.
2. This phase is not essential, however reduces cooking time and removes gassiness, so it deserves the effort.
3. Cook the broad beans in water using a little baking soda up until they are starting to get delicate.
4. Push the beans and go back to the pot.
5. Include carrots, onions, fennel/celery, garlic, chicken broth or water to cover.
6. Cook till all the vegetable are doughy and the beans are breaking down.
7. Mix with an intentness mixer.
8. Include water to slim, and include salt to taste.
9. Washout and blanch greens.
10. Sautee onion and garlic in a fry pan.
11. When golden, include greens.
12. Cook for a couple of minutes, and season with salt.
13. Serve soup covered with greens, and find out to enjoy this fantastic bean!