Egyptian Spiced Fava Beans with Herbs

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 ground paprika 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Olive oil, for drizzling Olive oil, for drizzling
• Fresh lemon juice, for serving Fresh lemon juice, for serving
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish

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.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, combine the fava beans and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
3. 3.
   Drain the cooked fava beans and return them to the pot.
4. 4.
   Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Cook the beans over low heat for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Remove from heat and let the dish cool slightly.
7. 7.
   Serve the Shahan ful warm, drizzled with olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
8. 8.
   Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fava beans — Soaking the dried fava beans overnight before cooking can help reduce the cooking time. Additionally, make sure to remove any skins that may come off during cooking for a smoother texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Serve Shahan ful with warm pita bread or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
• Customize the garnishes by adding diced tomatoes, chopped onions, or a sprinkle of sumac for extra flavor.
• Leftover Shahan ful can be refrigerated and enjoyed as a delicious dip or spread the next day.
• Experiment with different herbs such as mint or dill to add a unique twist to the dish.

Serving advice

Serve Shahan ful as a main dish accompanied by warm pita bread or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables. It can also be enjoyed as a dip with crispy vegetable sticks or as a spread on sandwiches.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, drizzle a little extra olive oil on top of the dish just before serving. Sprinkle some additional chopped herbs for a pop of color. Serve in a shallow bowl or on a platter to showcase the vibrant green color of the fava beans.