FAVA BEANS WITH PANCETTA

Steps:

• Soak the fava beans overnight in water.
• Put beans in a pot with fresh water, with the cloves of garlic, bay leaves, and salt to taste, and bring to a boil.
• When beans are at a full boil, reduce the heat, partially cover, and allow to simmer for 1 to 1-1/2 hours. You will know they are done with they are smooth and tender to the bite. This will take a while, so now would be a good time to start making your main dish.
• When the beans are done, transfer them to a platter to allow them to cool and dry.
• Heat the oil in a fry pan until it is smoking hot, and add the Pancetta (italian bacon) and the sage leaves.
• While the Pancetta is cooking, dredge the beans in the flour, they should be relatively well-coated.
• When the Pancetta is done, leave it in the pan add the beans to the oil a little at a time, forming a single layer on the bottom of the pan. As they fry and become crunchy, remove them to a serving dish. Keep adding the beans until all the beans are fried, then top with the Pancetta and sage leaves.