Fava beans are a remarkably versatile and delightful ingredient that enhances various dishes. They can be used in dips, salads, soups, and stews to add a creamy, nutty taste and a vibrant green hue to your meal.
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 15 minutes.
Cook Time: 5 minutes
How Many Servings?
4 servings
Table of Contents
I grew up in a household where Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine was a staple. Fava beans were a regular part of our diet. I remember the excitement of seeing the green fava beans in season during Lent. My mom would diligently clean and blanch them to preserve their freshness in the freezer. The tender, creamy beans would later be sautéed with onions, garlic, cilantro, cumin, and plenty of lemon juice, creating a flavorful dish.
Another way we enjoyed fava beans was with the dry variety, a popular breakfast item in the Middle East. Known as foul mudammas, the beans are cooked into a creamy dip-like consistency and served with fresh pita bread. When I’m in the mood for a quick snack, I enjoy boiling the dry fava beans in a pot until they become tender, then serving them in their flavorful broth with a sprinkle of cumin and a squeeze of lemon.
How to Prepare Fava Beans
Preparing fava beans is the essential first step to crafting a delectable fava beans dip. The method you choose depends on the beans’ freshness and your culinary preferences. You can determine the age of the beans by assessing the softness of their outer shells. The softer the shell, the younger the beans are. Here’s how to prepare fava beans for your mouthwatering dip:
Whole Beans with Pods:
- If you plan to use the entire bean, including the pod, start by removing any strings from both sides of the pod.
- Chop the pods into smaller, 1-inch-long pieces.
- A classic way to enjoy whole beans is to sauté them with onions, garlic, cilantro, and a touch of lemon, resulting in a flavorful and hearty dish inspired by traditional recipes\
Shelled Beans:
- To use fava beans in dips, salads, sauces, or risotto, remove them from their pods.
- Open the pods and release individual beans for fresh fava beans by snapping off the stem and pulling along the attached string.
- To peel the skin off the beans, blanch them in hot water for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to an ice bath and use your thumb to pop the beans out of their skins.
Dry Fava Beans:
- Dry fava beans are the simplest to prepare. Soak them in water for a day before cooking.
- Adding a pinch of baking soda to the soaking water can expedite the process.
- Once softened, cook the beans in a pot with ample water until they become tender.
- In many Middle Eastern regions, fava beans are a beloved street food. They are typically boiled and served in paper cups, sprinkled with cumin, salt, and a drizzle of zesty lemon juice.
Enhancing Fava Beans’ Delicate Flavor
The creamy and mild taste of fava beans pairs well with bright and bold flavors like lemon juice, garlic, and cumin. The shallots provide a subtle sweetness, while the jalapeno pepper adds a spicy kick. The coriander and cilantro bring a fresh and herbaceous note, while the feta cheese adds a salty and tangy flavor. The mint provides a refreshing and cooling element to balance the other flavors.
To try other herbs and seasonings, add parsley, basil, or oregano for an Italian twist, or use cumin and paprika for a smoky and earthy flavor. You could add roasted red pepper for a sweet and smoky note or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy and savory touch. A pinch of sumac or za’atar would add some Middle Eastern flair to the dip. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and try new combinations of herbs and spices!
What to Serve with Fava Bean Dip?
Fava bean dip is a versatile dish that pairs perfectly with various foods. It can elevate a simple sandwich with fresh veggies like tomatoes, cucumber, and sprouts or be spread on a crispy baguette, pita, or taboon bread. While Foul is a dish on its own, it can also be served alongside other Middle Eastern dips such as baba ganoush, muhammara, and hummus to create a well-rounded and satisfying breakfast experience.
Preparation
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with some chopped fresh vegetables and toasted bread! Enjoy
Creamy and flavorful, this fava bean dip is the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. Made with fresh fava beans, roasted garlic, and a mix of herbs and spices, this dip is easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 15 minutes.
Cook Time: 5 minutes
How Many Servings?
4 servings
Ingredients:
Adjust Servings
| 2 lb fresh fava beans prepared (about 6 oz of fresh beans) | |
| ½ small shallots (diced) | |
| 4 cloves roasted garlic (with 2 tablespoons of olive oil) | |
| 1 teaspoon jalapeno pepper (chopped) | |
| 1 teaspoon coriander | |
| Juice of one lemon | |
| ¼ cup fresh mint (chopped) | |
| ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped) | |
| 2 tablespoon feta cheese (leave out if you want it vegan) | |
| Salt and pepper to taste |
Preparation
Recipe Tips & Suggestions
How to prepare fresh Fava Beans
Storage instruction for the dip:
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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