Lasagna with Fava Beans, Pecorino & Roman Flavors

A Slow Cooking School Recipe from the Heart of Italy

A True Taste of Roman Spring 🌿

In the Italian countryside, spring means one thing: fresh fava beans.
In the traditions of central Italy, especially around Rome, fave e pecorino is a timeless combination — simple, seasonal, and deeply rooted in rural life.

At our Slow Cooking School in Umbria, we reinterpret this classic pairing into a rich and elegant white lasagna, where creamy layers meet the freshness of the land.

This is not just a recipe — it’s a story of the seasons, of farmers, and of sharing food around a table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for spring and early summer menus

• A unique alternative to traditional tomato lasagna

• Inspired by Roman countryside cuisine

• A signature dish in our Italian cooking classes in Umbria

Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 400–500 g fresh lasagna sheets

• 500 g fresh fava beans (shelled)

• 250 g Pecorino cheese (grated +and small cubes)

• 1 liter milk

• 100 g butter

• 100 g flour

• Extra virgin olive oil

• Fresh mint or Roman herbs (optional but recommended)

• Salt & black pepper

✨ Optional (non-traditional but delicious): pancetta or guanciale for a richer flavor

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prepare the fava beans

Remove the outer pod and peel larger beans.
Blanch them briefly in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then drain.

2. Sauté

In a pan with olive oil, gently sauté the fava beans with salt and pepper for a few minutes to enhance their flavor.

3. Make the béchamel

Melt the butter, add flour, then slowly whisk in warm milk.
Cook until smooth and creamy. Add salt and a pinch of pepper.

4. Assemble the lasagna

In a baking dish:

• Spread a layer of béchamel

• Add lasagna sheets

• Add fava beans + pecorino

• Repeat layers

Finish with béchamel and grated pecorino on top.

5. Bake

Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 30 minutes until golden and bubbling.

The Secret of This Dish

The magic lies in the balance:

👉 sweetness of fava beans
👉 saltiness of pecorino
👉 creaminess of béchamel

This harmony reflects the essence of Italian slow cooking — simple ingredients, treated with care.

Experience It With Us 🇮🇹

At our Slow Cooking School, this is one of the dishes we love to prepare with our guests.

Imagine:

• harvesting ingredients from the garden

• cooking together in a farmhouse kitchen

• sharing a meal with people from around the world

…..Ready Memories to take home!!