Fava beans substitutes
Fava beans substitutes — 5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Lima beans
Same amount as the fava beans
Similar large, flat beans with mild, buttery flavor and creamy texture.
The best substitutes for fava beans are lima beans, edamame, or broad beans.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- soups
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of fava beans | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lima beanssoups | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Edamamesoups | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Broad beanssoups | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Cannellini beanssoups | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Butter beanssoups | Same amountWorks | Works |
Lima beans
similar taste and texture
Similar large, flat beans with mild, buttery flavor and creamy texture.
- Best for
- soups, stews, salads, casseroles
Very similar to fava beans in flavor and texture.
Edamame
similar taste, different texture
Young soybeans with similar mild flavor and creamy texture.
- Best for
- soups, stews, salads, casseroles
Similar mild flavor but different texture and size.
Broad beans
similar taste and texture
Similar large, flat beans with mild, buttery flavor and creamy texture.
- Best for
- soups, stews, salads, casseroles
Very similar to fava beans in flavor and texture.
Cannellini beans
similar taste and texture
Large white beans with mild, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- Best for
- soups, stews, pasta, salads
Larger size but similar mild flavor and creamy texture.
Butter beans
similar taste and texture
Large, flat beans with mild, buttery flavor and creamy texture.
- Best for
- soups, stews, salads, casseroles
Very similar to fava beans in flavor and texture.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use lima beans instead of fava beans?
Yes, lima beans are an excellent substitute for fava beans. They have a very similar mild, buttery flavor and creamy texture, making them good for the same applications.
What's the difference between fava beans and edamame?
Fava beans are large, flat beans with a mild, buttery flavor and creamy texture, while edamame are young soybeans with a similar mild flavor but different texture and size. Both work well in similar applications.
Can I make fava beans at home?
Yes, you can make fava beans at home by shelling and peeling fresh fava beans. However, this process can be time-consuming and requires careful handling to avoid damaging the beans.
How long do fava beans take to cook?
Fresh fava beans typically take 5-10 minutes to cook after shelling and peeling. If you're using dried fava beans, they may take 1-2 hours to cook after soaking overnight.
Tips for substituting fava beans
7 tips- Fava beans should be shelled and peeled before cooking for best texture
- Store fava beans in the refrigerator and use within 3-5 days
- Fava beans pair well with herbs, garlic, and olive oil
- For salads, fava beans add protein and texture
- Fava beans can be used in both sweet and savory applications
- Add fava beans gradually to avoid overpowering other flavors
- Fava beans work well in soups, stews, and casseroles