Shelled Fava Beans. [Photograph: Pachango]

Fava beans, a traditional harbinger of warmer weather, are cropping up at farmers markets across the country. Until recently, these native North African beans were not all that easy to find in supermarkets. Luckily, if you're not able to grab a bunch of fava beans at your local farmers' market, you can now find them in almost every grocery store.

The pale flat seeds of fava beans, while difficult to extract from their pods, are buttery and a bit nutty once cooked. They are versatile and delicious. Here are a few recipes for you to experience them at their best.

Recipes

Scallops with Corn and Fava Bean Succotash
Fava Beans with Dill Butter
Spaghetti with Pistachio Pistou, Fava Beans, and Mint"
Fava Beans with Grilled Zucchini and Garlicky Croutons
Egg Noodles with Fava Beans, Leeks, and Morels
Linguine with Fava Beans, Garlic, Tomato, and Bread Crumbs
Genovese Minestrone
Fava Bean, Asparagus, and Green Bean Salad

What's your favorite way to eat fava beans?