Fava beans, with their buttery texture and nutty, earthy flavor, hold a special place in kitchens worldwide.
From creamy dips to hearty stews, these little gems are versatile enough to win you over in savory or even slightly sweet dishes.
That said, not everyone has fava beans casually hanging out in their pantry—or maybe they’re just not your thing.
Whether you’re out of stock or simply looking for an alternative, there’s no shortage of options to fill in for fava beans without sacrificing taste or texture.
The trick to choosing the right substitute lies in the role fava beans play in your recipe. Some ingredients are perfect for soups or stews, while others shine in salads, snacks, or purees. Below, we break it all down so you can find the perfect stand-in for every occasion.
7 Easy Fava Bean Substitutes
Swap out fava beans like a pro using these substitutes, tailored for their texture, flavor, or what’s already hanging out in your pantry.
1. Lima Beans – Buttery and Similar in Texture
Lima beans are one of the closest substitutes for fava beans. Both share a creamy, buttery consistency when cooked, making lima beans an easy swap in soups, stews, or purees. Their flavor is milder and less earthy, but once seasoned, it’s hard to tell the difference.
Use an equal amount of cooked lima beans to replace fava beans in your recipe. Whether you’re making a salad or a hearty side dish, this swap works seamlessly.
Curious about more plant-based ideas? Check out lima bean substitutes for more options.
2. Edamame – A Protein-Packed Alternative
Edamame, or fresh green soybeans, is another great substitute for fava beans. Slightly sweeter but with a comparable firmness, edamame works wonderfully in salads or as a snack-style side dish. It’s also packed with protein, making it a nutritious twist on fava bean recipes.
Replace fava beans with the same amount of cooked edamame. Just remember to shell them first if they’re still in pods, and you’re ready to go!
Head over to edamame substitutes for additional creative swaps.
3. Cannellini Beans – Smooth and Creamy
Cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans, are a fantastic option for stews, soups, or mashed recipes. Their mild flavor and smooth, creamy texture perfectly mimic cooked fava beans, especially when you’re making dips or spreads.
Substitute fava beans with an equal quantity of canned or cooked cannellini beans. They’re particularly useful in dishes like Mediterranean-style salads or pasta recipes.
Discover even more ideas at cannellini bean substitutes for a fresh spin on your meals.
4. Chickpeas – Nutty and Versatile
Chickpeas are a versatile and common ingredient that doubles as a substitute for fava beans. While their firmer texture might feel slightly different, their nutty, earthy flavor makes them a solid choice for soups, stews, or salads. Pureed chickpeas can also be used in dips, much like fava beans.
To replace fava beans, use the same amount of cooked or canned chickpeas. Give them a rinse to remove any brine before using, especially in lighter dishes.
Check out chickpea substitutes for more helpful culinary swaps.
5. Black-Eyed Peas – Subtle and Mild
Black-eyed peas offer a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a texture similar to fava beans. They’re an excellent alternative for dishes like bean salads, soups, or casseroles. Plus, their iconic pop of black adds a fun visual twist to your recipes!
Replace fava beans with an equal amount of cooked black-eyed peas. They work especially well in Southern or Mediterranean-style dishes.
Want more inspiration? Explore black-eyed pea substitutes for endless ideas!
6. Mung Beans – Slightly Sweet and Soft
When you’re looking for a lighter, slightly sweet flavor, mung beans are a strong substitute for fava beans. They soften beautifully when cooked, making them ideal for soups, dips, or side dishes. Bonus points for how quickly they cook compared to heartier legumes!
Use an equal amount of cooked mung beans to replace fava beans—you’ll especially enjoy the switch in light and fresh recipes.
Browse through more swaps at mung bean substitutes to get full use out of this versatile legume.
7. Green Peas – Sweet and Fresh
Fresh or frozen green peas might not share the same firmness as fava beans, but they’re sweet and fresh—perfect for salads, spring-themed dishes, or as a colorful garnish. Plus, they require zero soaking or prep, which is a major bonus when you’re short on time.
Use a 1-to-1 ratio of green peas as a substitute. For heartier recipes, like stews or casseroles, you might want to combine peas with one of the firmer beans on this list, like chickpeas or cannellini beans.
Explore further creative options with green pea substitutes for every dish imaginable.
Whether you’re out of fava beans or just want to shake things up, these substitutes make cooking easy and exciting. Each one brings its own flair, so experimenting with flavors and textures can honestly be half the fun!
