I don’t know why but today I was craving fava beans. Tapes play over and over in my head and I kept hearing the psychopathic voice of Anthony Hopkins’ Hannibal Lector in my head (scary) saying, “I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti.”

You would think that grizzly movie would not stimulate my appetite but it did.

A few months ago I picked up a package of fresh fava beans (also known as broad beans) at Sunflower Market. When fresh, they look like a cross between giant green beans and sugar snap peas. At Sunflower, they have a big book describing all the produce and how to serve it or prepare it. The fava beans had many steps. It wasn’t going to be as simple as steaming green beans. I thought I was up for the challenge.

While waiting in the cashier line, a man behind me saw the package of fresh fava beans and said, “Wow! You must have a lot of time on your hands if you’re going to prepare fava beans.”

I told the cashier that I didn’t want the fava beans.

Today I found myself wandering around Caravan Middle Eastern Foods. I wish an audio guided tour was available so I would know how most of the ingredients were used.  There were spices including the Middle Eastern staple sumac, bins of olives and dates, individually packaged pistachio candy, bulk nuts, pastries, bulk beans and lentils, burlap bags of rice, frozen appetizers made with phyllo dough, teas, and minute amounts of fresh produce.

Then I noticed the canned fava beans and put it in my basket. I also bought pita bread and a package of Halloumi cheese which is made from sheep’s milk. Doug Levy at Feast always has a delicious grilled Halloumi cheese sandwich on his menu.

These fava beans are good. The ingredients are: prepared fava beans, garbanzo beans, water, salt, olive oil, lemon juice, dsodium EDTA for color preservation, and red chili. The combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and red chili permeate a rustic Greek aroma.

The label says to boil and decorate with chopped parsley and tomato. Serve with hot pita bread.

Chianti optional.

Caravan Middle Eastern Foods is located at 2817 N. Country Club Road (NW corner @ Glenn), 323-6808.