In a large sauce pot, cover the fava beans with water until the water covers the beans by at least one inch. Soak beans overnight. Drain beans and shell.

Heat olive oil in large pot and saute the onion until almost golden. Add garlic and crushed red pepper. Saute until garlic is tender but not browned.

Add water, beans, bay leaf, and salt. Cover and simmer over low heat until beans are tender, about 20 minutes. If cooked too long, the beans will be mushy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.