Fava Beans & Garlic

fava beans

When I think of fava beans, I think about how they are loaded with levodopa, a compound that your body turns into dopamine.

Dopamine when released in large amounts gives a feeling of pleasure, and generally makes you feel happy.

It is wonderful when it is as easy as eating tasty food that results in you feeling better!

The national food of Egypt is made with fava beans and is known as fuul (pronounced fool).

Maybe this is why Egyptians are generally such happy people!

I have always been struck every time I have visited Egypt how happy people tend to be despite being pretty poor.

I’m sure it’s not all down to the fuul but maybe it helps!

fava beans

These beans, also known as broad beans, are packed with protein and other nutrients, such as folate, manganese, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, potassium, thiamine, and zinc.

Not forgetting the fiber that goes along with it as well.

And these beans taste really good, are very versatile, and can be included in all kinds of dishes.

We planted fava beans in our garden the valley this Spring, and they came up gangbusters.

Really strong growth, and fava beans everywhere!

So I decided to make these fresh fava beans with olive oil and garlic.

One of my very favorite side dishes! And so easy to make.

I hope you give it a try.

fava beans

I made these beans right out of the pods I picked from the plants, but it is easy to find frozen fava (broad) beans if you don’t happen to have fresh.

This evening we are going to sit out in the back yard and enjoy the warm weather.

As I mentioned in my last blog we have set up a small projector to watch movies with in the backyard.

Last night we had nachos while we watched the latest installment of The Handmaid’s Tale on Netflix.

Shows like that make you think how quick things can change in the world.

Hopefully we can always hold onto our freedoms!

I also realized what little focus there is on food in most movies and TV shows.

Such an important part of life, and it is rarely addressed.

We need to change that!

fava beans

Food needs more of a starring role, like in The Big Night, or Like Water For Chocolate two great movies about food.

Those films remind us of the important role food plays in our lives, and even more so the people in our lives, and how those people come together around food.

I have some of my best memories of friends and family sitting around the table sharing food.

There is a great recipe for fava beans cooked in yogurt that I will be making very soon for our family lunch this week.

In the meantime, all this talk of fava beans has made me hungry for fuul, which I shall make in the morning for breakfast.

With some fresh bread, hummus, and most likely some falafel sneaking in!

That way I can get my dose of levodopa which will hopefully give me a squirt of dopamine for a happy day!

fava beans

Fava Beans

Maybe this is why Egyptians are generally such happy people!
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Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 333kcal
Author: Chef Tariq

Ingredients

  • 1 Head Garlic whole cloves
  • ½ cup Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 2 cups Fava Beans fresh
  • 1 cup Water

Instructions

  • Put all ingredients in to pot and and bring to a boil.
  • Turn down to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. 
  • Serve hot or cold.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 333kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 589mg | Potassium: 227mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1.4mg

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