A recipe does not need to be fussy to feel special, and Foul Akhdar (Fava Beans) is a lovely reminder of that. This is the kind of centerpiece that makes dinner feel complete without needing a crowded menu. The Middle Eastern spirit of the dish makes it especially lovely for sharing. Bring it to the table with confidence and let everyone discover it for themselves.
Ingredients
- 2 servings
- 1 lb. Fresh fava beans ( washed and air dried)
- 2 cups basmati rice (washed and soaked)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cups broth
- 1/2 tsp. 7 spice
- 1/8 tsp. Cardamom (ground)
- 1/2 cup water
- Salt to taste
- Fried onions
- Fried cashews or almonds
- Roasted chicken
Instructions
- Start by pulling the side string from the fava beans. This step is very important because the string is tough and un edible.
- Cut into 1 inch.
- In a pot heat the oil then add 1 pound of fava beans with a sprinkle of salt, sauté for a few minutes while stirring gently until it gets some color.
- Add the broth (I used homemade chicken broth but you can use any store bought broth you like chicken or beef it all works) add the spices let come to a boil. Cover and lower the heat, let cook for 15-20 minutes or until the fava bean is tender.
- Add the rice give it a gentle stir. I added another 1/2 cup water, taste for salt and adjust. Remember to cook rice for ever 1 cup rice you need 1 1/2 liquid.
- As always bring to a boil then cover the pot and bring down the heat to low. Cook until all the broth is absorbed about 20 minutes.
- Always place a towel under the cover after the rice is done, it will absorb extra moisture and you will have the fluffiest rice.
- Flip in a platter top with fried onions, fried nuts and roasted chicken any way you like. Serve next to plain yogurt.
- You can also make this dish vegetarian, instead of meat broth use water or vegetable broth.