Egyptian Inspired Fava Bean Mash

Egyptian Inspired Fava Bean Mash - before being mashed

This recipe is inspired by an Egyptian breakfast dish made from mashed fava beans and traditionally eaten with pita bread.  I've never had the original but came across a recipe on All Recipes that sounded simple and interesting.  I was a little unsure about the directions and an ingredient or two seemed to be missing so decided to do my own little riff on ful mudames.  I love discovering new comfort food that's delicious and healthy and this was my first time cooking with fava beans. I wasn't disappointed, the combination of cumin and lemon give this dish a wonderful, warm tanginess that will have you scraping the bowl clean with the last bit of pita (or any flatbread).  

Note: the original recipe called for parsley but I have used cilantro because I love it.  I think garlic would be good too but I left it out for personal reasons.  I first smashed the beans the old-fashioned way with a fork but then decided I wanted to pop the whole thing in the food processor to see the difference.  I liked the flavour of the more blended but still slightly chunky version better.  

Egyptian Inspired Fava Bean Mash

1-2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion diced
1/2 red bell pepper diced
1 tsp cumin
1 large tomato diced
1 can fava beans (reserve liquid)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
juice from 1/2 lemon
salt and pepper to taste

In a large non-stick frying pan, on medium-high heat, cook the onions in olive oil for a few minutes until translucent.  Add the cumin, red pepper and tomato and cook, stirring, for approximately 5 minutes.   Add the beans, lemon juice, cilantro, salt and pepper along with a couple of tablespoons of the reserved bean liquid.  Simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes until the flavours have combined.  Smash the beans with a fork or pulse in a food processor until you are satisfied with the consistency.   Eat with flat bread of your choice.

Totally Yum!