Fresh Fava beans Dip

Get
FREE
Recipes!

Get My Favorite Recipe

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.

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. Your chosen method depends on the beans’ freshness and your culinary preferences. You can determine the beans’ age by assessing their outer shells’ softness. 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 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.

How to Make Fresh Fava beans Dip

Preparation

1.
In a medium-sized mortar, add all ingredients except for the feta cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Mark as complete
2.
Mash the ingredients together until you achieve a semi-coarse texture.
Mark as complete
3.
Add the feta cheese and lemon juice, and continue to mash until the cheese is incorporated.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with some chopped fresh vegetables and toasted bread! Enjoy
Mark as complete

Ingredients:

1X 2X 3X
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

1
In a medium-sized mortar, add all ingredients except for the feta cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2
Mash the ingredients together until you achieve a semi-coarse texture.
3
Add the feta cheese and lemon juice, and continue to mash until the cheese is incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with some chopped fresh vegetables and toasted bread! Enjoy

Recipe Tips & Suggestions

How to prepare fresh Fava Beans

Fresh fava beans are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including dips. To prepare the beans for dips, remove them from the pods by snapping the stem off and pulling the attached string. Then, blanch the beans in hot water for about 5 minutes to loosen the skin, before placing them in an ice bath. Finally, pop the beans out of the skin using your thumb before using them in your favorite dip recipe.

Storage instruction for the dip:

-Store leftover fava bean dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. -To freeze the dip, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months. -Place it in the refrigerator overnight to thaw frozen fava bean dip. Once thawed, give it a good stir before serving to reincorporate any separated liquids. -Avoid refreezing previously frozen dip as it can affect the texture and taste.

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.

rana

By Rana

Thanks for visiting my Mediterranean food blog and welcome to my virtual kitchen! Here, you’ll find mouth-watering, wholesome, and nutritious Mediterranean recipes that will change the way you view cooking.

Never Miss a Recipe

Subscribe to my newsletter for authentic Mediterranean recipes, essential cooking tips, and the latest food news, all delivered directly to your inbox for FREE. Let’s create memorable dishes together!

    You will not receive any spam

    I would love to hear your experience!

    Have you tried making this fresh and flavorful fava bean dip? I would love to hear about your experience. Please feel free to leave a comment below.

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *