Sizzling Halloumi Cheese with Fava Beans and Mint

Ingredients

• 1.3 pounds avarakkai / broad beans fresh shelled
• 25.5 ounce halloumi cheese dry rinsed cut lengthwise into 6 slices, , patted
• 1  optional: lemon cut into 6 wedges
• 2 tablespoons juice of lemon fresh
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest grated
• 2 tablespoons mint leaves plus 6 sprigs fresh for garnish
• 3 tablespoons olive oil extra-virgin
• 6  peperoncini 
• 7 ounces peas fresh frozen shelled thawed

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• sauce pan
• slotted spoon

Directions

1. If using fresh fava beans, blanch beans in medium saucepan of boiling salted water 2 minutes; transfer to bowl of ice water. Peel beans. If using fresh peas, blanch in same saucepan of boiling salted water until just tender, about 3 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer peas to ice water; cool.
2. Drain peas.
3. Place fava beans, peas, olive oil, 2 tablespoons mint leaves, and lemon peel in large skillet. Cook over medium heat until warmed through, stirring often, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Divide vegetable mixture among 6 plates.
4. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
5. Add cheese slices and fry until golden, about 1 minute per side. Arrange 3 cheese slices atop vegetables on each plate.
6. Drizzle with lemon juice, top with peperoncini, garnish with lemon wedges and mint sprigs, and serve immediately.