Fava (Fava Bean Purée) is a classic Turkish meze made from dried broad beans (fava beans), cooked until soft and blended into a smooth, creamy dip. This delicious appetizer is seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs, making it a light and refreshing addition to any meal. It’s perfect for serving with crusty bread or alongside other meze dishes for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried fava beans (peeled and split)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 3-4 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh dill, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Soak the Fava Beans: Rinse the dried fava beans thoroughly under cold water. If possible, soak them in water for at least 1 hour to help soften them and reduce cooking time. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beans: In a medium-sized pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the drained fava beans, water (or vegetable broth), salt, and sugar (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the beans are very soft and mushy.
- Blend the Purée: Once the beans are cooked and tender, use a hand blender or a food processor to purée the mixture until smooth and creamy. Add the lemon juice and 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil, blending until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if needed.
- Chill and Serve: Transfer the fava purée to a serving dish and let it cool to room temperature, or refrigerate for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to develop. Before serving, drizzle with extra olive oil and garnish with fresh dill and parsley.
- Serve: Serve the fava with lemon wedges and crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy this light and healthy meze as part of a Mediterranean spread.
Things to Consider
- Texture: The purée should be smooth and creamy, but if you prefer a coarser texture, you can blend the fava beans less or even mash them with a fork for a chunkier consistency.
- Herb Options: Dill is traditionally used to garnish fava, but parsley is also common. Feel free to use whichever herbs you prefer.
Tips
- Make Ahead: Fava purée can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavors improve as it chills, making it a perfect make-ahead meze.
- Serving Ideas: Fava pairs wonderfully with a variety of meze dishes such as olives, hummus, and grilled vegetables. It can also be served as a side dish with fish or chicken.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Drizzle with olive oil before serving to refresh the flavor.
This Creamy Fava Bean Purée is a simple yet flavorful Turkish meze that’s perfect for sharing. The smooth texture and bright lemony flavor make it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with bread, crackers, or as part of a larger Mediterranean meal.
Afiyet olsun!