Besara (Egyptian Fava Bean Soup)

Called ful beans, broad beans, or fava beans, the name depends on your region; here they are pureed into a delicious and hearty vegan soup with cumin and spinach.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins
• Calories: 527 Calories

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 5 cloves garlic, chopped
• 5 cups water
• 1 ½ onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin, or more to taste
• 3 cups skinless dried fava beans
• 2 leek (white part only), chopped
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach, or to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place beans in a large pot with water to cover. Soak 8 hours to overnight.

Step 2

Drain beans and return to pot with 5 cups fresh water. Bring to a boil and simmer until soft, 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add leeks, onions, and garlic; saute until softened, about 5 minutes. Add to the pot with the beans.

Step 4

Add spinach, cumin, salt, and pepper to the soup and cook gently, 15 to 30 minutes more.

Step 5

Fill blender halfway with soup. Cover and hold lid down with a potholder; pulse a few times before leaving on to blend. Pour into a pot. Repeat with remaining soup.

Step 6

Heat until warm until ready to serve.