Join me on an amazing journey to a bustling Middle Eastern restaurant in Manhattan. There, I discovered a mouth-watering Middle Eastern fava bean salad that has become a favorite in my home. Serve this healthy and versatile salad as a main or side dish, and pair it with a variety of flavors. In this article, I’ll share my personal experience of discovering the dish and the recipe to create it at home. Additionally, I’ll provide some creative pairing ideas to make the most out of it. So, grab a seat, and let’s dive into the world of Middle Eastern cuisine!
It was a beautiful summer morning in Manhattan when my manager and I decided to have a business lunch at a nearby Middle Eastern restaurant. The sun was shining, the air was warm, and we were eager to try something new. As we entered the restaurant, the sweet aroma of spices and herbs, and the sound of chatter and laughter greeted us. Furthermore, it was a bustling place, with customers enjoying their meals and drinks, and the staff running around with plates and trays.
We took our seats at a cozy table by the window, and we scanned through the menu. We came across a dish that caught our eye – a Middle Eastern fava beans salad. It was a colorful bowl of goodness, garnished with fresh herbs and spices, and promised to be a delicious and healthy option. So, we placed our order, and as we waited for our food. We couldn’t help but notice an old woman in the corner, cooking up a storm in the kitchen.
The restaurant was buzzing with activity when suddenly, we heard a loud crash. A customer had accidentally dropped a plate, consequently, the pieces lay scattered on the floor. We watched in awe as the old woman rushed to the scene, picked up the broken pieces, and whisked them away to the kitchen.
Within minutes, the Middle Eastern fava bean salad arrived. As we took our first bite, it left us speechless. It was a perfect blend of flavors, with the tanginess of the lemon, the creaminess of the feta cheese, and the crunchiness of the cucumbers and tomatoes. Most importantly, they all come together to create a symphony of taste. Finally, we finished the salad in no time and were eager to learn more about the dish.
Before leaving the restaurant, I approached the old woman and requested the recipe for the Middle Eastern fava beans salad. At first, she was hesitant, but after a lot of convincing, she agreed to share her recipe with me. I couldn’t believe my luck! The recipe was simple, and the ingredients were easy to find. I couldn’t wait to try making it at home.
To make the Middle Eastern fava beans salad, you’ll need fresh fava beans, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic, cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley, feta cheese, and capers. Cooking and then peeling the fava beans is essential before using them in the salad. Then, mix the rest of the ingredients with the fava beans to create a refreshing and healthy salad that is perfect for any meal.
The Middle Eastern fava beans salad is an adaptable dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. Moreover, it complements a wide range of foods and can be tailored to suit your individual preferences. Here are some suggestions for what to pair with the Middle Eastern fava beans salad. For example:
- Pita bread: warm up some pita bread and serve it alongside the salad. Use the bread to scoop up the salad or to make a sandwich.
- Grilled meat or fish: Middle Eastern fava bean salad pairs well with grilled meat or fish. For instance, grilled chicken, lamb, or fish would complete a meal.
- Hummus: serve the salad with some hummus and pita chips for a tasty appetizer or snack.
- Baba Ganoush: baba ganoush is a Middle Eastern dip made with roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. Serve it alongside the Middle Eastern fava bean salad for a delicious appetizer or side dish.
- Falafel: serve the fava beans salad alongside some falafel for a complete vegetarian meal.
- Rice pilaf: Middle Eastern fava bean salad pairs well with rice pilaf. Serve the salad on top of a bed of rice for a filling and satisfying meal.
These are just a few ideas for what you can serve with Middle Eastern fava bean salad. Experiment with different dishes and flavors to find your perfect pairing!
So, here is how I create the Middle Eastern fava beans salad at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb of fresh fava beans
- 2 tbsp of lemon juice
- 3 tbsp of olive oil
- 1/4 tsp of cracked black pepper
- 1/4 tsp of salt
- 1 cup of chopped cucumber
- 1 minced clove of garlic
- 3 tbsp of snipped fresh parsley
- 1 cup of chopped tomato
- 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- Additional salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp of drained capers
How to create Middle Eastern fava bean salad?
- Firstly, to prepare the fava beans for the salad, start by removing the outer pods from the fresh fava beans. You should have around 2 cups of beans. Then, in a medium saucepan, cook the shelled beans in enough boiling water to cover for 1 minute, and drain. Transfer the beans to a bowl of cold water, and drain again. To remove the outer skin, peel it back with your thumbnail and pop out the bean.
- Once the beans are prepared, cook them in a medium saucepan of boiling water, uncovered, for about 10 minutes or until they are tender. Drain the cooked beans and let them cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, and lemon juice in addition to salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Add the cooled beans, chopped cucumber, chopped tomato, and snipped parsley to the bowl, and stir everything together until it’s well combined. Finally, season the mixture with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Divide the fava bean mixture among 6 salad plates, and top each serving with some crumbled feta cheese and drained capers. This recipe yields 6 servings and is a delicious and healthy salad option.
Thank you for joining me on this culinary journey to discover the Middle Eastern fava bean salad. I hope you enjoyed learning about the dish as much as I did and are inspired to give it a try in your kitchen. With its refreshing flavors and simple ingredients, it’s the perfect addition to any meal. Don’t forget to experiment with different pairings and let me know what your favorite combination is. Happy cooking!
