
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

Simple Tasty Recipes
Ingredients for 3 Servings
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1 cupDried white skinless fava beans
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1Garlic clove
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3 cups plus more as neededWater
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1 tablespoonExtra virgin olive oil
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1 pinchGround cumin
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To tasteSea salt
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To tasteWhite pepper
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1 tablespoonFresh parsley, finely minced
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To tasteFresh lemon juice
Time
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Preparation Time48 hours (soaking)
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Cooking Time2 hours
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Total Time48 hours and 2 hours
Goes Great with
Method
- Soak the dried fava beans in a large bowl with plenty of water for 48 hours, changing the water occasionally to ensure freshness.
- Drain the soaked beans thoroughly and place them in a large saucepan along with the garlic clove and 3 cups of fresh water.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 245 kcal |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 9g |
Goes Great with






















