Authentic Egyptian Fava Bean and Feta Salad: A Zesty, Healthy, and Flavorful Mediterranean Delight

Embark on a culinary journey to Egypt with this vibrant and refreshingly zesty fava bean and feta cheese salad. Light yet remarkably satisfying, this dish offers a delightful peek into the fresh and diverse flavors of Egyptian cuisine. While traditionally a beloved Egyptian breakfast staple, its unique taste and appealing texture make it an extraordinary choice as an appetizer, a vibrant side dish, or even a light and fulfilling lunch. You might find it hard to resist finishing the entire bowl yourself! (Skip to the recipe below for full instructions.)

This month, our “Eat the World” recipe challenge transports us to the fascinating land of Egypt – a country steeped in rich history, from the awe-inspiring pharaohs and colossal pyramids to the sprawling deserts, ancient antiquities, and bustling, vibrant markets. It’s a place where modern cities blend seamlessly with cultures that have thrived for millennia, offering a tapestry of experiences as diverse as its landscapes.

When I first delved into researching Egyptian culinary traditions, this particular fava bean and cheese dish immediately captivated my attention. It stood out because it defied my preconceived notions of Egyptian food. Instead of heavy spices, which are often associated with the region, this recipe embraced a philosophy of simplicity, relying on intensely fresh ingredients to deliver its profound flavor. The timing was perfect, too, as the fava beans in my garden were ripe for picking, presenting an irresistible opportunity to try this distinctively fresh salad. The combination of crumbly, salty feta cheese perfectly complements the smooth, tender sweetness of the fava beans, while crisp cucumbers add a refreshing crunch. The first batch disappeared so quickly among my family that I had to make it a second time just to properly savor it!

The Delight of Fresh Fava Beans

If you’re fortunate enough to have access to fresh fava beans, whether they’re from your garden, a local market, or even a bag of shelled favas stashed in your freezer, you’re in for a real treat. These legumes, also known as broad beans, offer a unique texture and flavor profile that truly sets them apart from other podded beans. When young and fresh, their taste is delicately sweet, reminiscent of tender garden peas, but with a distinct earthiness that adds complexity. Their incredibly smooth and creamy texture is particularly appealing.

For those who can’t find fava beans, here’s a little secret: this salad also tastes absolutely fabulous when made with frozen peas! While the texture will be slightly different, the overall bright and fresh flavor profile remains incredibly satisfying.

Preparing fresh fava beans involves a few simple, yet rewarding steps: shelling, blanching, and skinning. While it may sound like a bit of work, each step is straightforward and far from laborious. The effort is undeniably worth it, as these processes unlock the beans’ full, sweet, and tender potential, transforming them into a culinary delight. They are also packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making them a wonderfully healthy addition to your diet.

To begin, shell the fresh fava beans. This is easily done by gently twisting the large, somewhat spongy pods to pop them open. Once opened, simply pick out the bright green beans nestled inside. You’ll notice a greyish-green outer skin on each bean at this stage.

Next, give them a quick blanch. Drop the shelled beans into a pot of rapidly boiling water for just 3 minutes. This brief cooking time softens the beans and, crucially, loosens their somewhat leathery outer skins. After blanching, immediately transfer them to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color.

With their skins now wrinkled and loosened, the beans become incredibly easy to peel. Simply pinch the outer skin with your fingernail, tear it open slightly, and gently slip out the brilliant green bean nestled within. This step takes only a few minutes but makes a significant difference to the beans’ delicate texture and ensures a truly refined eating experience.

Assembling This Egyptian Delight is a Breeze

Once your fava beans are perfectly peeled and tender, the remaining steps to create this exquisite salad are incredibly simple. It’s truly a testament to how fresh, high-quality ingredients can shine with minimal effort. Combine the tender fava beans with a generous helping of crumbled feta cheese, crisp diced fresh cucumber, thinly sliced green onion, and a sprinkle of fresh dill. These ingredients are then united by a simple yet potent dressing: a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, finely minced garlic, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. The result is a vibrant, flavorful salad ready to be enjoyed.

The taste is simply captivating! The delightful contrast between the salty, tangy feta and the inherent sweetness of the fava beans creates an unbeatable flavor combination that is both fresh and bright. The crispness of the cucumber adds a textural dimension, while the zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and subtle whisper of dill elevate the entire dish, making it feel like pure summer on a plate. This salad is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience that tantalizes the palate with every spoonful.

This unusually captivating salad is a fantastic addition to any meal, offering incredible versatility. You can serve it traditionally for breakfast, accompanied by warm flatbread perfect for scooping up every delicious morsel, much like Egyptians do. It’s equally impressive when presented as a memorable appetizer for gatherings, or simply enjoyed as a standalone side salad. For a touch of elegance, serve it scattered over a bed of crunchy lettuce or peppery arugula. Personally, I find it so satisfying that a large bowl of it makes for a perfect, light, and healthy lunch on its own.

This exquisite taste of Egypt is so utterly delicious and easy to prepare that it has undoubtedly earned a permanent spot in my regular cooking rotation. It’s a dish that embodies freshness, simplicity, and vibrant flavor, making it a truly rewarding culinary discovery.

* * * * *

Kitchen Frau Notes: If fresh or frozen fava beans (broad beans) are unavailable, don’t worry! This recipe offers a fantastic variation. It tastes just as delightful when made with tiny, sweet peas – see the *Green Pea and Feta variation* details at the end of the recipe for instructions.

Egyptian Fava Beans and Feta Salad

adapted from ‘Food of Egypt’

• 1½ lbs fresh fava beans/broad beans in the pods (approximately 24 pods) – yields about 1 cup / 150g skinned, cooked fava beans (thawed if frozen); or see the green pea variation* below
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 small clove garlic, finely minced or grated
• 2 cups (10oz / 280g) crumbled feta cheese
• 1 small cucumber, cut into small dice (¾ to 1 cup)
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, parsley, or mint, chopped (choose your favorite herb or a mix)

Instructions for Preparing Fresh Fava Beans:

If you are using fresh fava beans, begin by shelling them. Twist the pods firmly to break them open and reveal the beans inside. You should end up with roughly 1¾ cups of fresh shelled beans, still encased in their greyish-green outer skins. Bring a small pot of water to a rolling boil, then carefully drop in the shelled beans. Allow the water to return to a boil and cook the beans for exactly 3 minutes. Immediately drain the beans and plunge them into a bowl of ice-cold water to halt the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color. Once cooled, skin the beans: puncture the leathery outer skin of each bean with your fingernail, then tear it open and gently slip out the bright green, tender bean inside. This step is surprisingly quick and only takes a few minutes, but it’s essential for achieving the perfect texture.

Assembling the Salad:

While the fava beans are cooling or if you’re using pre-prepared beans, prepare your dressing. Grate the small garlic clove directly into the olive oil, or mince it very finely and add it to the oil. Stir in the fresh lemon juice with the garlic and olive oil. Allow this dressing to marinate for at least 15 minutes; this brief period allows the garlic to infuse its flavor beautifully into the oil and lemon juice, softening its raw edge.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, layer the remaining ingredients: first, add the crumbled feta cheese, followed by the prepared fava beans, then the diced cucumber, thinly sliced green onion, and your chosen fresh herb (dill, parsley, or mint). Pour the prepared garlic-lemon-olive oil dressing evenly over these ingredients. Gently toss everything together to ensure all components are well combined and coated with the dressing, being careful not to mash the delicate fava beans.

Serving Suggestions:

This versatile Egyptian Fava Bean and Feta Salad can be served in various delightful ways. Present it as a refreshing appetizer alongside crispy pita chips, crackers, or warm flatbread for dipping. It also makes an excellent side salad, perfectly complementing grilled or roasted meats, poultry, or fish. For a lighter meal or an elegant presentation, serve it on a bed of fresh greens, such as peppery arugula or crisp romaine lettuce. It’s equally delicious enjoyed on its own as a light and healthy lunch.

This recipe proudly serves 4 as a satisfying main dish salad or 6 as a vibrant side salad or appetizer.

*Green Pea and Feta variation: For a quick and easy alternative, simply substitute the shelled and skinned fava beans with a heaping cup of frozen petit pois (small sweet peas or sweetlets) that have been thoroughly defrosted. No cooking required for the peas, just ensure they are fully thawed before mixing into the salad.

بالهنا والشفا (bil-hana wiš-šifa) May you have your meal with gladness and health!

Delve deeper into global flavors! Check out all the wonderful Egyptian dishes prepared by fellow Eat the World members and share your culinary adventures with the hashtag #eattheworld. Click here to find out how to join our gastronomic journey and have fun exploring a new country’s cuisine each month with us!

• Culinary Adventures with Camilla: Lahma Bil Basal (Egyptian Beef in Onion Sauce)
• PalatablePastime: Bedouin Stuffed Grape Leaves
• Sneha’s Recipe: Vegan Egyptian Koshari
• Literature and Limes: Taameyya
• Pandemonium Noshery: Ful Medames
• Amy’s Cooking Adventures: Ghorayebah Cookies
• The Gingered Whisk: Basbousa Cake Recipe
• Kitchen Frau: Egyptian Fava Beans and Feta
• A Day in the Life on the Farm: Koshary
• Sara’s Tasty Buds: Luqmet el qadi

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Check out my past ‘Eat the World’ Recipe Challenge posts for more international culinary inspiration:

• A Taste of Ireland: Dublin Coddle (A hearty and tasty Sausage and Potato Stew)
• A Taste of Thailand: Shrimp Laksa (Khung) (An aromatic and spicy noodle soup)
• A Taste of Kenya:Maharagwe with Ugali (Nutritious Red Beans with a traditional Cornmeal Slice)
• A Taste of Sweden: Swedish Meatballs with Cream Gravy (Classic comfort food with a rich sauce)
• A Taste of New Zealand: Classic Pavlova (A light and airy meringue dessert)
• A Taste of France: Axoa d’Espelette (A simple yet flavorful Stew from the Basque Country)
• A Taste of Argentina: Red Chimichurri Sauce (A vibrant and zesty condiment)
• A Taste of India: Kerala Upma (A fluffy, Kerala Style Breakfast Upma Recipe)
• A Taste of Poland: Polish Honey Cake (A tender and aromatic dessert)
• A Taste of Ethiopia: Four Ethiopian Recipes for a Fantastic Feast (An array of traditional dishes for a communal meal)
• A Taste of England: Gluten Free Fish and Chips and Mushy Peas (A British classic, perfected)
• A Taste of Georgia: Charkhlis Chogi (Delicious Beets with Sour Cherry Sauce)
• A Taste of Mexico: Cochinita Pibil Tacos (Authentic Pit Barbecued Pig, adaptable for your oven)
• A Taste of Cambodia: Noum Kong (Sweet and delightful Cambodian Rice Flour Doughnuts)
• A Taste of Israel: Cucumber, Feta, and Watermelon Salad (A refreshing and vibrant summer salad)
• A Taste of Finland: Lohikeitto (A creamy and comforting Finnish Salmon, Potato, and Dill Soup)
• A Taste of Puerto Rico: Piña Colada Cocktail (The iconic tropical and refreshing drink)