Recipes

Garlic and Dill Fava Bean Salad (Bagula)

January 6, 2015

Cumin and lemon bring a smoky and tart savoriness to this classic Egyptian bean dish from Aladdin's Castle Cafe in Portland, Oregon. This recipe first appeared in our June/July 2012 issue along with Dana Bowen's story Food of the People.

Cumin and lemon bring a smoky and tart savoriness to this classic Egyptian bean dish. Serve it as a side dish or vegan main course.

Yield: serves 4-6

Ingredients

1 lb. small dried fava beans, soaked overnight
¹⁄₄ cup olive oil
3 tbsp. minced parsley
3 tbsp. minced dill
1 tsp. ground cumin
4 cloves garlic, mashed into a paste
Juice of 1 lemon
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Drain beans and place in a 4-qt. saucepan, cover with water by 2″, and bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to medium-low, and cook, covered and stirring occasionally, until tender, about 50 minutes.
Drain beans, and transfer to a bowl; add oil, parsley, dill, cumin, garlic, juice, and salt and pepper; let sit for 30 minutes to meld flavors before serving.