Hearty Fava and Chickpea Medley
Discover the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with this delightful Hearty Fava and Chickpea Medley. Inspired by a beloved dish from Alfanoose, a cherished eatery nestled in Manhattan's financial district, this recipe combines the richness of fava beans and chickpeas with fresh tomatoes, zesty lemon, and aromatic herbs. It's a perfect addition to any lunch spread, whether served as a refreshing side dish or stuffed in warm pita bread for a satisfying meal. Roasting the garlic adds a subtle sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile. While letting the mixture marinate overnight is optional, it truly elevates the dish, making it ideal for family gatherings or a solo lunch treat. Embrace this fusion of textures and tastes that your family will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fava beans
1 (15 ounce) can (Rinsed and drained)
Chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
1 (15 ounce) can (Rinsed and drained)
Tomatoes
2 medium (Chopped small)
Red onion
1/2 (Diced)
Parsley
1 1/2 cups (Chopped well)
Lemon
1 (Juiced)
Olive oil
1 - 2 tablespoons (N/A)
Garlic cloves
6 - 7 (Roasted and minced, or use 3 - 4 raw for more bite)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing and draining the fava beans and chickpeas thoroughly to remove any excess sodium and preservatives.
2
Chop the tomatoes into small pieces and, if desired, drain them slightly to reduce some liquid, which will help with the dressing's consistency.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed fava beans and chickpeas with the chopped tomatoes, diced red onion, and finely chopped parsley.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, roasted and minced garlic (or raw garlic if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor), salt, and pepper to create a dressing.
5
Pour the dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture and gently toss all ingredients together until evenly coated.
6
If time allows, cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture overnight to let the flavors meld together; however, this step is optional.
7
When ready to serve, enjoy the medley chilled or at room temperature. It also pairs wonderfully as a filling in warm pita bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Fava and Chickpea Medley?
It is a vibrant Middle Eastern-inspired dish that combines fava beans and chickpeas with fresh tomatoes, lemon, and aromatic herbs.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a beloved dish from Alfanoose, a cherished eatery located in Manhattan's financial district.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this dish is naturally vegan as it consists of beans, vegetables, herbs, and olive oil.
What types of beans are used in this medley?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of fava beans and one 15-ounce can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans).
How should I prepare the canned beans?
You should thoroughly rinse and drain both the fava beans and the chickpeas to remove excess sodium and preservatives.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
Chop two medium tomatoes into small pieces and, if desired, drain them slightly to help maintain the consistency of the dressing.
What kind of onion is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 of a red onion, finely diced.
How much parsley is needed?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of well-chopped fresh parsley.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is made by whisking together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Should I use roasted or raw garlic?
You can use 6 to 7 cloves of roasted garlic for a subtle sweetness, or 3 to 4 raw cloves if you prefer a sharper garlic bite.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe requires the juice of one whole lemon.
How much olive oil should I add?
The recipe suggests using 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
What are the measurements for salt and pepper?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, or adjust to taste.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, letting the mixture marinate in the refrigerator overnight is a great way to let the flavors meld together.
Is it mandatory to refrigerate the medley overnight?
No, the overnight marination is optional; the dish can be served immediately if you are in a hurry.
How should this dish be served?
It can be served chilled or at room temperature as a side dish, salad, or as a filling for warm pita bread.
Can this medley be eaten as a main meal?
Yes, it is very satisfying when stuffed into warm pita bread for a complete lunch.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe featuring protein-rich beans and fresh vegetables.
What is the difficulty level of this recipe?
This is an easy recipe that primarily involves rinsing, chopping, and mixing ingredients.
Can I substitute other herbs for parsley?
While parsley provides the traditional aromatic profile, you could experiment with other fresh herbs if desired.
Does the recipe contain any cholesterol?
The ingredient list consists of plant-based foods which are naturally cholesterol-free.
How do I combine the dressing with the salad?
Whisk the dressing separately in a small bowl, then pour it over the bean and vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat.
What if I don't have roasted garlic?
You can use raw garlic instead, though you should use fewer cloves (3-4) because raw garlic is much more pungent.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The medley itself is gluten-free; however, ensure you do not serve it with pita bread if you require a gluten-free meal.
Can I add other vegetables to this medley?
While the recipe is inspired by a specific dish, you could certainly add other Mediterranean vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers.
What makes the flavor profile unique?
The combination of zesty lemon, aromatic parsley, and the choice between sweet roasted garlic or sharp raw garlic creates a complex taste.
How many cans of chickpeas are needed?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of chickpeas.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include Mediterranean, vegan, healthy, salad, lunch, pita bread, easy recipe, and make ahead.
Can this be served at room temperature?
Yes, the medley is delicious served either chilled or at room temperature.
How do I ensure the dressing isn't too watery?
Draining the chopped tomatoes slightly before adding them to the bowl helps prevent excess liquid from thinning the dressing.