FOOD AND DRINK

In season

Broad beans are brilliant for making into tasty falafels

IT’S National Vegetarian Week in the UK on 21-27 May, so this issue we’re focusing on broad beans — at their best from May to mid-July, when the pods are soft and pale green and the beans are small. We caught up with Adrian and Michael Daniel, owners of London’s most successful vegetarian restaurant, The Gate (www.thegate.tv), to get their favourite broad bean recipe.

Broad bean falafels
Serves 4

150g dried broad (fava) beans, soaked in cold water overnight. 100g fresh broad (fava) beans, shelled. 1 Spanish onion. 1 bunch coriander roughly chopped. 2 garlic cloves. 1 lemon, juiced. 1 tbsp garam masala. Handful of cooked couscous. Optional vegetable oil, for deep-frying the falafels.

Drain the dried beans, then place the ingredients (not the oil and couscous), in a mincer or food processor. Blend into a thick paste. Chill for an hour in the fridge. Form the mixture into 2cm balls. Falafels can be unpredictable, depending on the type of processor or mincer. If the mixture is breaking up, add the couscous. Heat the oil in a heavy pan until almost smoking. Deep-fry the balls for 4–5 minutes, turning. Drain on kitchen paper, and serve hot.

Making a meal of it

ADRIAN AND MICHAEL’S FAVOURITE VEGGIE RESTAURANTS

TERRE À TERRE, BRIGHTON

Foodie favourite, opened 13 years ago by two chefs who wanted to push the boundaries of traditional cuisine and meat-free cooking. www.terreaterre.co.uk

ARTEMISA, MADRID

Top veggie food and very easy on the wallet. There’s a sister restaurant, Artemisa II, if you’re in town for a while. Tel: +34 914 295 092

TAPIRO VERDE, PISA

On-site restaurant at the gorgeous Villa Orsini. Try artichoke caponata or the sundried tomato mousse. www.tapiroverde.it

Taste test: coffee

Experts we’re not, but we’ve still got an opinion

BOATERS * 100g €4.68 What: It’s the leading brand of flavoured coffee in the UK. Result: People either loved it or hated it. Did you know?** Flavours include tiramisu, hazelnut, amaretto and double chocolate. But they also do milkshakes and iced coffee.
PERCOL FAIRTRADE COLOMBIA *** 100g €3.65 What: Ensuring a sustainable future for coffee communities, this brand claims to mix flavours of dried fruit with hints of toasted coconut. Result: Rich and smoky. Feels full-bodied. Did you know?** Each jar has an explanation of the geography and culture of the coffee-producing country. This one tells us that Colombia is home to a giant water lily that can support the weight of a small child.
JACOBS KRÖNUNG GOLD * 100g €5.95 What: A leading German brand that started life in a coffee shop in Bremen in 1895. It’s also popular in Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Latvia. Result: Good, but it had a strange, lingering aftertaste that put some people off. Very distinctive though. Did you know?** Krönung means “coronation” in German.
COFFEE SLENDER 46.2g €17.55 What: This Norwegian coffee claims to be a slimming aid, thanks to weight-loss ingredient Svetol, a powerful antioxidant. Result: Surprisingly, this was a popular choice. Although our panel was dubious about any slimming properties, they liked the taste anyway. Did you know? Svetol is made from raw green robusta coffee beans.