Authentic Egyptian Fava Bean Salad with Fresh Herbs
Experience the vibrant flavors of Egypt with this delightful Fava Bean Salad. Made from tender fava beans and infused with a medley of fresh vegetables and herbs, this salad is nutritious and delicious. The creamy tahini dressing, enhanced with zesty lemon juice and aromatic garlic, brings the dish together, making it a perfect side or a light main course. Rich in plant-based protein and bursting with flavors, this salad is not only low in cholesterol but also a fantastic addition to any meal or gathering. Serve it at room temperature or slightly warm to enjoy the best of its flavors.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
cucumber
1 medium (peeled, seeded, lengthwise cut into eighths, diced)
fava beans or red kidney beans
1 lb (rinsed, drained, cooked)
tomatoes
1 cup (diced)
fresh mint
1/2 cup (chopped)
fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
red onion
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
tahini
1/4 cup (mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water)
fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
garlic cloves
2 (finely chopped)
ground red pepper
1 dash (to taste)
salt
to taste
freshly ground black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling and seeding the cucumber, then cut it lengthwise into eighths and dice into bite-sized pieces.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh diced cucumber, cooked fava beans or red kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chopped mint, chopped flat-leaf parsley, and finely chopped red onion.
3
In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the tahini, fresh lemon juice, finely chopped garlic, a dash of ground red pepper, and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste until smooth.
4
Pour the tahini dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Toss gently until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
5
Allow the salad to sit for about 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve at room temperature or warm slightly for a comforting dish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Egyptian Fava Bean Salad?
Authentic Egyptian Fava Bean Salad is a nutritious and vibrant dish made from tender fava beans, fresh vegetables, and herbs, all tossed in a creamy tahini and lemon dressing.
What are the primary ingredients in this salad?
The main ingredients include fava beans, cucumber, tomatoes, fresh mint, flat-leaf parsley, red onion, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
Can I substitute fava beans with another type of bean?
Yes, if fava beans are unavailable, red kidney beans are an excellent substitute for this recipe.
How should the cucumber be prepared for this salad?
The cucumber should be peeled, seeded, cut lengthwise into eighths, and then diced into bite-sized pieces.
What herbs are used in the Egyptian Fava Bean Salad?
The recipe uses a combination of fresh mint and fresh flat-leaf parsley to provide a burst of aromatic flavor.
How do you make the tahini dressing?
The dressing is made by whisking together tahini, fresh lemon juice, finely chopped garlic, ground red pepper, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Is this Egyptian Fava Bean Salad vegan?
Yes, this salad is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is rich in plant-based protein, low in cholesterol, and packed with fresh vegetables and healthy fats from tahini.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the recommended serving temperature?
The salad is best served at room temperature or slightly warm to enhance its flavors.
How long should the salad rest before serving?
It is recommended to let the salad sit for about 10 to 15 minutes after mixing to allow the flavors to meld together.
Does this salad contain cholesterol?
No, this recipe is naturally low in cholesterol as it uses only plant-based ingredients.
What kind of onion is best for this salad?
Finely chopped red onion is used for its mild sweetness and vibrant color.
Do I need to cook the beans first?
Yes, the fava beans or kidney beans should be cooked, rinsed, and drained before being added to the salad.
Is this recipe part of Mediterranean cuisine?
Yes, it is a staple of Egyptian and Mediterranean culinary traditions, focusing on fresh produce and legumes.
How do I prepare the garlic for the dressing?
The garlic cloves should be very finely chopped before being whisked into the tahini dressing.
Can I add spice to this salad?
Yes, the recipe includes a dash of ground red pepper to add a subtle kick of heat.
What type of parsley should I use?
Fresh flat-leaf parsley (also known as Italian parsley) is recommended for its superior flavor compared to curly parsley.
How much tahini is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of tahini, which should be mixed with a tablespoon of cold water for the best consistency.
Is the lemon juice fresh or bottled?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is used to provide the best zesty flavor for the dressing.
What is the texture of the dressing?
The dressing is creamy and smooth thanks to the combination of tahini and lemon juice.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Absolutely, its high protein content makes it suitable as a light main course or a substantial side dish.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The recipe requires 1 cup of diced fresh tomatoes.
What is the purpose of seeding the cucumber?
Seeding the cucumber prevents the salad from becoming too watery and keeps the texture crisp.
Does the recipe use black pepper?
Yes, freshly ground black pepper is added to taste to season the dressing.
Is salt included in the recipe?
Yes, salt is added to the dressing to taste.
How do I mix the salad without crushing the beans?
The instructions recommend tossing the ingredients gently in a large bowl until well coated.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What makes the salad 'authentic'?
Its use of traditional Egyptian staples like fava beans and tahini dressing makes it an authentic representation of the region's flavors.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared in advance, though the fresh herbs are best when the salad is eaten within a few hours.