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Fava Bean Hummus with Harissa & Green Peppercorns
Fava beans are dried broad beans eaten at breakfast accross North Africa and the Middle East 
In Spain they are served as a cold Tapa with a dressing of garlic, lemon, spring onion and parsley. Butterbeans make a good alternative. Or play safe and stick to chickpeas.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Appetizer, Breakfast, lunch, Side Dish, supper
Cuisine middle eastern
Ingredients
  
  • 250 g Fava Beans
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1-2 lemons
  • 1-2 tsp harissa you can buy this fresh from Moroccan & other North African shops
  • bunch of mint, basil and parsley finely chopped
  • 6-8 fresh green peppercorns or freshly ground black pepper
  • salt to taste
  • 2-3 tbsp Tahini (creamed sesame)
Instructions
 
  • Soak the beans overnight in plenty of water
  • Discard the soaking water and bring the beans to a simmer in a large pan with plenty of fresh water. Cook for 30-40 minutes until soft. Strain the beans but keep some of the water which you'll use later
  • Remove the skins: wrap the cooled beans in a teatowel and gently rub them with your hands to loosen the skins. Pinch off the skin at one blunt, dark and squeeze out flesh with finger and thumb
  • Since the beans are large this step is not overly laborious
  • Place the beans, garlic, lemon juice, harissa, creamed sesame and green peppercorns (if you're using them) into a food processor. Process until very smooth, adding a little of the cooking liquid to achieve a soft texture
  • Add the chopped herbs and season with salt (and black pepper if you haven't used the green peppercorns).  Adjust the acidity with a little more lemon of you like
  • Transfer the hummus onto a plate or bowl, create a well in the centre with a spoon  and add a good bit of best cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil. Sprinkle with a little cayenne or hot smoked paprika
  • Serve at room temperature with warm pitta or your favourite flat-bread