Mint Fava Bean Soup Recipe – Italian Scafata with Fresh Herbs and Guanciale

Mint Fava Bean Soup Recipe

This Mint Fava Bean Soup recipe combines tender fava beans, crispy guanciale, and fresh herbs for a deliciously comforting Italian Scafata. Featured on Bonacini’s Italy, host Michael Bonacini shows how to create a rustic, healthy soup that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a cozy family meal, this soup brings a touch of authentic Italian home cooking to your table.

The Inspiration

Scafata, a traditional Italian fava bean soup, is a classic from northern Italy that highlights seasonal vegetables, aromatic herbs, and cured meats like guanciale. This soup is inspired by the Italian philosophy of simple, high-quality ingredients creating bold flavors.

Michael Bonacini’s version emphasizes the freshness of fava beans and the subtle cooling flavor of mint, giving the soup a unique herbal lift. By combining Swiss chard and tomatoes with crispy guanciale, the dish balances richness, acidity, and freshness. It’s a perfect example of Italian home cooking: hearty yet light, rustic yet refined.

This soup is ideal for those looking for a vegetarian-friendly (with pancetta or bacon optional) dish or anyone who loves traditional Italian flavors served in a wholesome, approachable way.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240 ml) chopped guanciale (or pancetta or bacon)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 carrot, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 chili, minced (substitute with ½ teaspoon [2.5 ml] dried chili flakes)
• 1 pound (454 g) shelled fresh or frozen fava beans
• 3 cups (720 ml) diced canned tomatoes (with juice)
• 3 cups (720 ml) vegetable or chicken stock
• 1 bunch Swiss chard, chopped
• 5 mint leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper
• 4-6 thick slices Italian bread
• 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml) olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, cut in half, for bread

Method

• In a large saucepan on medium heat, cook chopped guanciale until crispy and fat has rendered out, 5-6 minutes.
• Add onion, celery, carrot, minced garlic, and chili, and cook until soft and fragrant, 3-4 minutes.
• Add fava beans, chopped tomatoes, and vegetable stock, stirring to combine. Cook for 1 to 1 ½ hours or until beans have softened.
• Add swiss chard and stir until wilted, 4-5 minutes.
• Add mint and season soup with salt and pepper.
• Grill or toast thick slices of Italian bread. Drizzle bread with extra virgin olive oil and rub with halved garlic cloves.
• Ladle soup into bowls and serve with bread.
• Buon appetito!

Serving Suggestions

This Mint Fava Bean Soup makes a satisfying starter or main course for lunch or dinner. Serve it alongside grilled garlic bread to soak up the flavorful broth, or with a side salad for a complete meal. For a more elegant presentation, sprinkle additional chopped fresh mint on top. The combination of tender fava beans, Swiss chard, and crispy guanciale provides a perfect balance of textures, while the lightly spicy chili and fresh mint elevate the flavor profile. Ideal for entertaining or a cozy family dinner, this soup pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light red for a traditional Italian experience.

Final Thoughts

The Mint Fava Bean Soup recipe is a celebration of authentic Italian flavors, combining fresh beans, tender greens, and aromatic herbs for a rustic, comforting dish. Michael Bonacini’s version emphasizes freshness and simplicity, showing how everyday ingredients can create a soup full of depth and character.

Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or simply enjoying a quiet night in, this soup delivers warmth, flavor, and a touch of Italian charm. The crispy guanciale and fragrant mint create a memorable culinary experience, making this dish both satisfying and elegant.