Creamy Egyptian Fava Bean Soup
Creamy Egyptian Fava Bean Soup, known as Fool Nabed, is a traditional dish that represents the heart of Egyptian cuisine. This warm and hearty soup is made from fava beans, a staple in Egyptian households. The fava beans are simmered to perfection and pureed to create a smooth and creamy texture that is both satisfying and nourishing. With the fragrant hints of cumin and garlic, paired with a refreshing splash of lemon juice and finishing touch of olive oil, this soup is an absolute delight. It can be served alone as a hearty meal or as a delightful appetizer that will impress your guests. Enjoying this soup not only warms your body but also lets you savor the authenticity of Egyptian flavors.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried fava beans
2 cups (soaked overnight, peeled)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
Garlic
2 cloves (crushed)
Olive oil
1/3 cup (for cooking)
Lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Water
6 cups (reserved from soaking beans)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the dried fava beans in water overnight to soften them.
2
After soaking, drain the beans and reserve the soaking water.
3
Carefully peel the skins off the fava beans, discarding the skins. Place the peeled beans in a large saucepan.
4
Measure 6 cups of the reserved soaking water and add it to the saucepan with the fava beans.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
6
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and allow the beans to cook for about 45 minutes or until they are tender.
7
Once the beans are soft, remove the pot from heat and transfer the beans to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
8
Return the pureed beans to the saucepan. If the soup is too thick, add more water to reach your desired consistency.
9
Stir in the cumin, crushed garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Bring the mixture back to a boil over medium heat.
10
Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
11
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fool Nabed?
Fool Nabed is a traditional Creamy Egyptian Fava Bean Soup that represents the heart of Egyptian cuisine.
What are the primary ingredients in this soup?
The main ingredients are dried fava beans, cumin, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh parsley, and water.
How long should I soak the dried fava beans?
The dried fava beans should be soaked in water overnight to soften them.
Do I need to peel the fava beans for this recipe?
Yes, after soaking, you should carefully peel the skins off the fava beans and discard them before cooking.
Should I keep the soaking water?
Yes, you should reserve the soaking water and use 6 cups of it to cook the beans.
How long does it take to cook the fava beans until they are tender?
The beans typically take about 45 minutes to cook over medium heat once the water has reached a boil.
How is the creamy texture of the soup achieved?
The creamy texture is achieved by transferring the soft, cooked beans to a blender and blending until smooth.
What should I do if the soup is too thick after blending?
If the soup is too thick, you can add more water to reach your desired consistency when you return it to the saucepan.
Is this Egyptian fava bean soup vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients like fava beans and olive oil.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How much cumin is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
How much garlic is used in the soup?
The recipe uses 2 cloves of crushed garlic.
When do I add the lemon juice and olive oil?
Stir in the lemon juice and olive oil after the beans have been pureed and returned to the saucepan.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 1/3 cup of olive oil.
How much lemon juice is used?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What garnish is recommended for the soup?
The soup should be garnished with 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley.
Can this soup be served as an appetizer?
Yes, it can be served as a delightful appetizer or as a hearty standalone meal.
How long should the soup simmer after adding the spices?
Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients in total: dried fava beans, cumin, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh parsley, and water.
What are the flavor profiles of this dish?
The soup features fragrant hints of cumin and garlic, paired with a refreshing splash of lemon juice.
What kind of fava beans are used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of dried fava beans that are soaked and peeled.
How do I start the cooking process?
Begin by bringing the mixture of beans and reserved water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, the soup is tagged as healthy, hearty, and nutritious.
Does this soup have a smooth or chunky texture?
This soup has a smooth and creamy texture due to the blending process.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This is an authentic Middle Eastern recipe from Egypt.
Is the garlic cooked before being added?
The garlic is crushed and then stirred into the pureed soup to simmer for 5 minutes.
How much water is initially used for cooking?
Six cups of the reserved soaking water are used to cook the beans.
What categories does this soup fall into?
It is categorized as a soup, comfort food, and an appetizer.
Can I serve this soup cold?
The recipe recommends serving the soup warm for the best experience.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The specific number of servings is not provided, but it uses 2 cups of dried beans which typically serves 4 to 6 people.