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Traditional Egyptian Fava Bean Soup

by Amira Mansour
A classic, comforting, and nutrient-dense soup rooted in ancient Egyptian traditions. This simple, delicate dish is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and famously healing, making it a perfect gentle meal for any day of the week.
Total Time
48 hours and 2 hours
Difficulty
Easy

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Simple Tasty Recipes

Ingredients for 3 Servings

  • 1 cup
    Dried white skinless fava beans
  • 1
    Garlic clove
  • 3 cups plus more as needed
    Water
  • 1 tablespoon
    Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 pinch
    Ground cumin
  • To taste
    Sea salt
  • To taste
    White pepper
  • 1 tablespoon
    Fresh parsley, finely minced
  • To taste
    Fresh lemon juice

Time

  • Preparation Time
    48 hours (soaking)
  • Cooking Time
    2 hours
  • Total Time
    48 hours and 2 hours

Goes Great with

Method

  1. Soak the dried fava beans in a large bowl with plenty of water for 48 hours, changing the water occasionally to ensure freshness.
  2. Drain the soaked beans thoroughly and place them in a large saucepan along with the garlic clove and 3 cups of fresh water.
  3. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour. Continue cooking until the beans are extremely tender and beginning to fall apart.
  4. If the beans require extra time to reach a soft, creamy consistency, continue cooking for up to another hour, adding small amounts of water as needed to prevent sticking.
  5. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the beans until you achieve a rustic, soupy consistency, adding more water if a thinner texture is desired.
  6. Whisk in the olive oil and ground cumin, then season with salt and white pepper. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  7. Ladle into warm bowls and finish with a fresh sprinkle of minced parsley and a generous squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Notes:

Tips: For best results, use skinless fava beans to ensure a creamy texture without tough bits. You can serve this with warm, toasted pita bread for a heartier meal.


NutrientPer Serving
Calories 245 kcal
Protein 15g
Carbohydrates 42g
Fat 4g
Fiber 9g
Goes Great with

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