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EthiopianVeg

Ful — Spiced Fava Beans

Slow-cooked fava beans with cumin, lemon and chilli.

20 min3 serveseasy

Ful — Spiced Fava Beans is a classic vegetarian Ethiopian recipe built around a handful of pantry staples. It serves 3 and comes together in roughly 20 minutes from prep to plate. It is an approachable, beginner-friendly dish — the kind of recipe you can put on the table in about 20 minutes without much fuss. The method is straightforward, with each step doing one clear job so the finished dish tastes balanced rather than busy.

The headline ingredients here are fava beans, garlic and cumin. Spend a little time choosing well: fresher, more carefully-sourced versions of these will lift the whole plate, while every other element is mostly there to support them.

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Nutrition · per serving

260

kcal

14g

Protein

32g

Carbs

8g

Fat

vegveganbreakfasthigh-protein

Ingredients

  • fava beans2 cans
  • garlic2 cloves
  • cumin1 tsp
  • lemon1
  • olive oil3 tbsp
  • tomato1

Method

  1. 1
    Step 1 ~7 min

    Warm beans with their liquid and spices.

  2. 2
    Step 2 ~7 min

    Mash lightly; stir in garlic, lemon, oil and chopped tomato.

  3. 3
    Step 3 ~7 min

    Drizzle with more oil to serve.

Per-step times are approximate and based on the total cook time of 20 minutes.

Pro tips & common mistakes

  • Taste a small spoonful just before serving and adjust salt, acid (lemon or vinegar) and heat — that final balance check is what separates a good home cook from a great one.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Ful — Spiced Fava Beans take to cook?
From prep to plate, Ful — Spiced Fava Beans takes about 20 minutes and yields 3 servings. About a third of that is hands-on; the rest is the cooking itself.
Is Ful — Spiced Fava Beans vegetarian?
Yes — this version of Ful — Spiced Fava Beans is fully vegetarian. If you want to make it vegan, swap any dairy or eggs for a plant-based equivalent of the same texture.
What are the key ingredients in Ful — Spiced Fava Beans?
The headline ingredients are fava beans, garlic, cumin. The rest of the list is supporting cast — spices, aromatics and pantry staples — that round out the flavour rather than carry it.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes. The ingredient quantities scale linearly: halve for 2 servings or double for 6. Cooking times stay roughly the same, except for anything that depends on pan surface area — if you double a stir-fry, cook it in two batches rather than crowding the pan.
How should I store the leftovers?
Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently — low heat on the stove with a splash of water, or short bursts in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel so it does not dry out.
Can I freeze Ful — Spiced Fava Beans?
Yes. Cool fully, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently; you may need a splash of water or stock to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.
What should I serve with Ful — Spiced Fava Beans?
Ful — Spiced Fava Beans pairs naturally with classic ethiopian sides — a simple grain, a fresh salad, or a light pickle to cut through richness. Aim for something that contrasts the main dish in texture or temperature rather than echoing it.
What if I do not have one of the main ingredients?
Most ingredients in this recipe have sensible swaps. Match like-for-like by texture and cooking time and you will land somewhere close to the original.