Fava bean purée is a smooth and savory dip that’s a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, particularly in Greece and the Middle East. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it not only delicious but also nutritious. Whether you serve it as a side dish, spread, or dip, fava bean purée is versatile and easy to prepare, offering a burst of flavor with each bite.
Fava Bean Purée Recipe
4
servings15
minutes25
minutes182
kcal40
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
400 g 14 oz dried or canned fava beans
2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons olive oil
2 2 garlic cloves
1 1 onion
1 1 lemon
1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Olive oil for drizzling
Equipment
Medium saucepan- Blender or food processor
- Sieve
- Mixing bowl
- Serving dish
Directions
- If Using Dried Fava Beans:
- If you’re using dried fava beans, soak them in water overnight. After soaking, drain the water and rinse the beans.
- In a medium saucepan, add the soaked beans and enough water to cover them by at least 2 cm (1 inch). Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 20–25 minutes until the beans are tender. Drain and set aside.
- If Using Canned Fava Beans:
- Simply rinse the canned fava beans under cold water and drain them well.
- For the Purée:
- In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked or canned fava beans, sautéed garlic and onion, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, adding a tablespoon of olive oil or a little warm water to adjust the consistency if needed.
- Taste the purée and adjust the seasoning, adding more lemon juice, salt, or pepper if necessary.
- Serve:
- Transfer the purée to a serving dish, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle chopped parsley on top if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature with pita bread, crackers, or as a side dish to grilled meats or vegetables.
Notes
- For an even smoother texture, pass the purée through a sieve after blending.
Can I use canned fava beans instead of dried beans?
Yes! Using canned fava beans is a convenient option. Simply rinse and drain them before blending. This saves time, as you won’t need to soak or cook them, but the flavor remains just as delicious.
How do I get a really smooth texture for the purée?
To achieve an ultra-smooth purée, you can pass the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve after processing it in the blender. This will remove any remaining skins or fibrous bits.
What can I serve with fava bean purée?
Fava bean purée pairs wonderfully with pita bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks as a dip. It also works as a side dish for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or Mediterranean-style salads.
How long can I store fava bean purée?
Store the purée in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, stir well and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Can I freeze fava bean purée?
Yes, you can freeze it! Place the purée in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and stir well before serving.
Is fava bean purée healthy?
Absolutely! Fava beans are rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins like folate and iron. The olive oil adds healthy fats, making this dish a nutritious choice.
Can I make this recipe without garlic or onion?
Yes, you can omit the garlic or onion if you prefer or if you have dietary restrictions. The purée will still be flavorful, especially if you adjust the lemon juice, cumin, and olive oil to taste.
Can I add other spices or flavors to the purée?
Definitely! While cumin is traditional, you can add spices like paprika, coriander, or chili flakes for extra flavor. You could also mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for a different twist.
What if my fava bean purée is too thick?
If the purée is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a bit of warm water or extra olive oil, blending until you reach the desired consistency.
