Lebanese Spiced Fava Beans with Garlic and Lemon

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) dried fava beans 2 cups (400g) dried fava beans
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 14g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the dried fava beans under cold water and soak them overnight.
2. 2.
   Drain the soaked fava beans and transfer them to a large pot.
3. 3.
   Add water to the pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer the fava beans for about 1 hour or until they are tender.
5. 5.
   In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
6. 6.
   Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
7. 7.
   Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, and paprika to the pan. Stir well to combine.
8. 8.
   Transfer the cooked fava beans to the pan with the spices and garlic. Mix everything together.
9. 9.
   Add the lemon juice and season with salt to taste. Stir gently to incorporate the flavors.
10. 10.
    Cook the mixture for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
11. 11.
    Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
12. 12.
    Serve hot with warm pita bread or flatbread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fava beans — Soaking the dried fava beans overnight helps to soften them and reduce the cooking time. Make sure to rinse them thoroughly before soaking.
• Garlic — Mincing the garlic finely ensures that its flavor is evenly distributed throughout the dish. Use fresh garlic for the best taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the dish.
• Serve the Ful bit-tewm with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can partially mash the cooked fava beans with a fork or potato masher before adding the spices.
• Adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your taste preference. Add more for a tangier flavor or reduce it for a milder taste.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. The flavors tend to develop and intensify over time.

Serving advice

Serve the Lebanese Spiced Fava Beans with Garlic and Lemon as a main course for a light lunch or dinner. Accompany it with warm pita bread or flatbread for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the Ful bit-tewm in a shallow serving dish, allowing the vibrant colors of the fava beans and spices to shine through. Place a sprig of fresh parsley on top for an attractive garnish. Serve with warm bread on the side to complete the presentation.