Mediterranean Fava Bean Dip with Lemon, Cumin and Freshly Shredded Mint
Do you ever want some versatility in your appetizers? While Hummus is delicious and very popular due to the fact that it is healthy, creamy and easy to make, other bean dips can be equally good or even better.
Fava Beans are very popular throughout the Mediterranean and the Middle East. You can buy dried beans, canned beans or frozen ones. They are different though. I used a dried Fava bean in this recipe that has the skin on. I like the flavor and the extra fiber provided by leaving the skins on. Frozen favas tend to be bright green and have already had the skins removed.
It is a simple recipe, just throw all ingredients other than the mint into the blender together. Make sure to reserve some of the cooked Fava beans, just crush them slightly, add a little salt and pepper and crush them slightly to add to the top of your dip. It not only makes it look more appealing, but adds a little different texture for interest.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Soaking Time: Overnight (Unless using canned beans)
Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes, unless using canned)
Serves 6-8 as an appetizer.
Ingredients to cook your own Fava beans:
1 onion, quartered
2 cloves garlic
1 Tbs salt
3 bay leaves
Ingredients for the dip:
2 ½ cups canned or cooked Fava beans
5 Tbs olive oil
4 Tbs fresh lemon juice
¾ tsp cumin
1 clove garlic
¾ tsp smoked paprika
11/2-2 tsp fresh mint leaves, finely shredded
1 Tbs minced green onion
¼ tsp pepper
¾ tsp salt
To serve:
3 Tbs reserved beans tossed with a little olive oil, salt and pepper and crushed with a fork
Extra shredded mint leaves and sliced green onion
A sprinkle of paprika
Crackers or Toasted Pita Bread
Directions:
Add the Fava beans together with the cumin, paprika, olive oil, salt and pepper into the blender. Blend well. You can add water to thin it out to the desired consistency or add some of the cooking water or liquid from the canned beans.
Stir in the shredded mint leaves and thinly cut green onions. Top with the reserved crushed beans. Sprinkle with extra paprika.