Bored of Hummus? consider exploring these 5 Broad Bean Dips and Dishes

If you’re hosting guests and want to offer something beyond the usual hummus, consider exploring these 5 broad bean dishes. Instead of relying solely on chickpeas, you can use fava beans (also known as broad beans) as a base for vegan dips and dishes.

Fava beans are smaller than their counterpart, broad beans, and they are harvested when fully mature and dried. They enjoy popularity in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, where they feature in traditional dishes like “Foul Mudammas,” an Egyptian stew made with fava beans, herbs, and spices.

Fava beans, among the earliest domesticated plants dating back over 10,000 years, have maintained popularity across cultures due to their adaptability and nutritional value.

From a nutritional perspective, fava beans are a fantastic addition to your diet. They are rich in protein (around 13 grams per 100-gram serving), fiber, copper, folate, manganese, iron, and potassium. Additionally, they contain compounds that may enhance antioxidant activity in the body. However, if you have favism (a genetic allergy), it’s best to avoid them.

So, next time you’re looking for delightful and nutritious dishes, give these broad bean-based dishes a try!

Broad bean dip

This vibrant broad bean dip is both vegan and gluten-free, making it a delightful alternative to hummus when entertaining guests. It features baby broad beans (either frozen or fresh), lemon zest and juice, garlic, fresh mint leaves, and extra-virgin olive oil. You can serve the dip as is or enhance it with a drizzle of extra olive oil, fresh mint leaves, and toasted pine nuts.

Foul Akhdar Bi Zeit

Foul Akhdar Bi Zeit is a beloved Lebanese dish featuring fresh green broad beans cooked in a flavorful blend of garlic, coriander, and extra virgin olive oil.

Moroccan Cauliflower “Couscous” Salad

This salad replaces traditional semolina-based pasta couscous with cauliflower. It features dried apricots, red peppers, and an orange dressing for added flavor.

Fava-Pistachio Chickpea Dip

This rich and creamy dip combines fava beans, pistachios, garlic, cumin, parsley, and lemon juice. It pairs perfectly with an abundance of pita bread.

Bean Bruschetta

To create a creamy bruschetta topping, replace cannellini beans with fava beans. This Italian favorite pairs perfectly with tomatoes, fresh herbs, and olive oil.

Fava beans have a long culinary history. These versatile legumes are not only nutritious but also rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like copper, folate, manganese, iron, and potassium. Whether in dips, salads, soups, or stews, fava beans offer endless possibilities for experimentation in the kitchen.