Like other legumes, Broad Beans have no cholesterol, very low fat content, and are high in protein. Combine Broad Beans with grains in a meal (2 parts cooked grains to 1 part legume) for an additional protein-punch. In most recipes, broad beans can be substituted for lima beans. Grow Broad Beans to eat as a vegetable, for soup or even as a cover crop.Broad beans are both delicious to eat or use as a cover crop, green manure, as a nitrogen fixer. Plant in fall to over winter and create fresh organic matter.