Egyptian Spiced Fava Beans

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) dried fava beans 2 cups (400g) dried fava beans
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Olive oil, for drizzling Olive oil, for drizzling
• Lemon juice, for drizzling Lemon juice, for drizzling
• Chopped tomatoes, for topping Chopped tomatoes, for topping
• Chopped onions, for topping Chopped onions, for topping
• Chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro), for topping Chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro), for topping

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 12g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the dried fava beans under cold water and remove any debris. Soak the beans in water overnight.
2. 2.
   Drain the soaked beans and transfer them to a large pot. Add water, garlic, cumin, coriander, and paprika to the pot.
3. 3.
   Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
4. 4.
   Once the beans are cooked, remove from heat and let them cool slightly. Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, mash the beans until they reach a creamy consistency.
5. 5.
   Season with salt to taste and stir well.
6. 6.
   To serve, divide the mashed beans into individual bowls. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Top with chopped tomatoes, onions, and fresh herbs.
7. 7.
   Serve the Spiced Fava Beans with warm pita bread or crusty bread.

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 the beans thoroughly before soaking.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the dish and enhances the flavor.
• Fresh herbs — Use fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness and aroma. Chop them just before serving to retain their vibrant color and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika to the dish.
• Customize the toppings to your liking by adding ingredients such as chopped cucumbers, pickled vegetables, or hot sauce.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use a blender or food processor to puree the cooked beans instead of mashing them by hand.
• Leftover Spiced Fava Beans can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. Simply reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving advice

Serve the Spiced Fava Beans warm, accompanied by warm pita bread or crusty bread. Encourage your guests to assemble their own toppings according to their preferences.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, drizzle a little extra olive oil on top of the dish just before serving. Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs for a pop of color.