Fool Nabed

Fool Nabed Recipe - Vegetarian Kuwaiti Dish with Fava Beans and Herbs

Region / culture: Kuwait | Preparation time: overnight | Cooking time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Fool Nabed is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with fava beans, cumin, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a comforting meal.

History

Fool Nabed has been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. It is a popular dish in countries like Egypt, Lebanon, and Syria, where fava beans are a common ingredient in many dishes. The dish is often served as a breakfast or brunch option, but can also be enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

2 cups of fava beans, washed
6 cups of water
1 tsp of cumin
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
0.25 cup of olive oil
0.25 cup of lemon juice
2 tbsp of parsley, finely chopped
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare

Soak the fava beans overnight in 6 cups of water.
Drain the beans but keep the water and set it aside.
Remove the skins from the beans and place them in a saucepan.
Measure the reserved soaking water and add enough to make six cups.
Add this water to the beans.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to simmer for 1 hour, until the beans are tender.
Puree the beans in a blender.
Return the bean puree to the saucepan and add all the remaining ingredients except for the parsley.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook for another 5 minutes.

Variations

Add chopped tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Top with a dollop of yogurt or tahini sauce for a creamy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the fava beans overnight helps to soften them and reduce cooking time.

- Removing the skins from the beans before cooking will result in a smoother texture.

- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and cumin to suit your taste preferences.

- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Fool Nabed with pita bread, sliced tomatoes, and cucumbers for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the fava beans until tender ensures a smooth and creamy texture.

- Pureeing the beans in a blender creates a silky consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute canned fava beans for dried fava beans to save time.

- Use lime juice instead of lemon juice for a slightly different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Fool Nabed can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Fool Nabed with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika, and a few fresh parsley leaves for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Fool Nabed with a side of tabbouleh salad and a refreshing glass of mint tea for a complete Middle Eastern meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Fool Nabed in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Fool Nabed contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Fool Nabed contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Fool Nabed contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Fool Nabed contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Fava beans are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains garlic and may not be suitable for individuals with garlic allergies.

Summary

Fool Nabed is a nutritious dish that is high in carbohydrates and fats, making it a filling and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Fool Nabed is a delicious and nutritious Middle Eastern dish made with fava beans, cumin, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. This flavorful dish is perfect for a comforting meal and can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a rainy day in the small village where I grew up, and I had been feeling restless and bored. I decided to take a walk to clear my head, and as I strolled through the narrow streets, I found myself outside the local market.

The market was bustling with activity, despite the dreary weather, and the smell of fresh produce and spices filled the air. As I wandered through the stalls, my eyes fell upon a small, unassuming booth tucked away in a corner. The sign above it read "Mama Habiba's Secret Recipes."

Intrigued, I approached the booth and struck up a conversation with the elderly woman who was manning it. She introduced herself as Mama Habiba and explained that she was known throughout the village for her delicious and unique recipes. I could sense a twinkle of mischief in her eyes as she invited me to sample some of her dishes.

I tried a few different dishes, each more flavorful and aromatic than the last. But it was the Fool Nabed that truly captured my taste buds. Mama Habiba explained that it was a traditional Egyptian dish made with fava beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices. The combination of flavors was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

I begged Mama Habiba to share her recipe with me, but she simply chuckled and shook her head. She told me that the recipe was a closely guarded secret, passed down through generations of her family. But as I continued to pester her with questions and compliments, she finally relented.

"Alright, my dear," she said with a smile. "I will teach you how to make Fool Nabed, but you must promise to never share the recipe with anyone else. It is a gift for you alone."

I eagerly agreed, and Mama Habiba began to walk me through the steps of preparing the dish. She showed me how to soak the fava beans overnight, how to sauté the onions and garlic until they were golden brown, and how to simmer the beans in a rich tomato sauce until they were tender and bursting with flavor.

As I watched Mama Habiba work her magic in the kitchen, I felt a sense of comfort and nostalgia wash over me. I remembered my own grandmother, who had taught me how to cook and bake when I was just a young girl. The smells and sounds of the kitchen had always been a source of joy and inspiration for me, and now I was learning a new recipe that would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire.

After several hours of cooking and tasting and adjusting the seasonings, Mama Habiba finally declared the Fool Nabed ready. She ladled generous portions into bowls and handed me a spoon. I took a hesitant bite, unsure of what to expect.

But as soon as the flavors hit my taste buds, I knew that I had discovered something truly special. The creamy texture of the fava beans, the tangy sweetness of the tomatoes, the earthy depth of the spices – it was a symphony of tastes and sensations that danced across my palate.

I closed my eyes and savored each mouthful, feeling a sense of gratitude and awe for the woman who had shared this recipe with me. Mama Habiba watched me with a knowing smile, her eyes full of warmth and wisdom.

"Remember, my dear," she said softly. "Food is more than just sustenance. It is a connection to our past, a celebration of our culture, a gift that we give to those we love. Keep this recipe close to your heart, and it will nourish you in more ways than you can imagine."

I nodded, my eyes brimming with tears of gratitude. And as I finished the last spoonful of Fool Nabed, I knew that I had found not just a new recipe, but a new friend and mentor who would forever hold a special place in my heart.