Fresh Fava Bean and Dill Hummus Recipe
Herby, nutty, creamy, and a whole lot delicious – Fava Bean Hummus.
Believe me, when I first thought of creating this fava bean recipe, I had no idea it would turn out so amazingly delicious.
This fava bean recipe offers a delicious twist on the classic garbanzo bean hummus.
Bringing together a nutty flavor of fresh favas with creamy tahini, this delicious hummus will be a show-stopper at your next party. Whether you are serving grilled meats, veggies, or a cheese board, this Fava Bean hummus will greatly complement each dish.
Keep reading to find out how to make this Fava Bean Hummus and how to best enjoy it.
Why you will love this recipe
Unique flavor – the buttery, nutty taste of fava beans combined with fresh dill and garlic offers a refreshing twist on the classic garbanzo bean hummus.
Nutrient-rich – packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, this hummus is delicious, nutritious, and healthy.
Creamy texture – the smooth, creamy consistency makes it a delightful dip or spread.
Versatile – it pairs well with a variety of dippers such as pita, veggies or crackers. It can be used in sandwiches, wraps, and salads.
Vibrant appearance – the bright green color of fresh favas with specks of fresh dill makes it visually appealing and a perfect summer treat.
Easy to Make – with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a breeze to prepare.
Ingredients, Variations and Substitutions
Fava beans – also known as broad beans, are large, flat beans with a buttery texture and nutty flavor. They need to be shelled and blanched to remove their tough outer skins. For a different but tasty twist, you can use frozen fava beans or even shelled edamame or green peas. While this recipe focuses on fava beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas) can also be used for a more traditional hummus. Edamamame or green peas offer a delicious alternative if you don’t have fava beans on hand.
Tahini – is a paste made from ground sesame seeds, adding a rich, nutty flavor. Make sure to stir well before using as it can separate. Sunflower seed butter or almond butter can be used if you have a sesame allergy or prefer a different flavor.
Fresh Dill – a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the beans. If you’re not a fan of dill, you can use fresh parsley or cilantro.
Garlic – adds a pungent, savory depth to the hummus. Fresh cloves of garlic are best, but adjust the amount to your taste preference. For a milder flavor, use garlic powder (use 1/4 teaspoon per clove) or roasted garlic.
Lemon juice – adds a bright, tangy acidity that balances the richness. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferred for its vibrant flavor. Lime juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar can be used as an alternative.
Olive oil – adds richness and a smooth texture to the hummus. Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. Avocado oil or a mild-flavored vegetable oil are great substitutes.
Salt and Black Pepper – both are essential for enhancing and balancing the flavors in the hummus. Adjust to taste, starting with a small amount and adding more as needed. Sea salt or kosher salt can be used; pepper can be omitted if you prefer.
Paprika – adds a mild, sweet peppery flavor and a pop of color. Use sweet paprika for color or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Use cayenne pepper for a spicy kick (use sparingly).
Cumin – provides a warm, earthy flavor that complements the beans. A little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and adjust. For a different but complementary flavor, use ground coriander or caraway seeds.
Equipment you will need
- Medium Pot
- Slotted Spoon
- Large Bowl
- Colander or Strainer
- Food Processor or Blender.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Knife and Cutting Board.
- Spatula
- Serving Bowl
Top Tips
Properly blanch Fava Beans – boil them for 2-3 minutes and immediately transfer them to a cold water bath. This helps retain their vibrant green color and makes them easier to peel.
Adjust consistency – if your hummus is too thick, gradually add water or more olive oil until you reach the desired consistency. Blend well after each addition.
Blend thoroughly – for a smooth creamy texture, blend the ingredients thoroughly in the food processor. Scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Garnish – before serving, drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with paprika or lemon zest for an appealing presentation. Fresh dill or other herbs can also be used as a garnish.
Serve at room temperature – hummus is best served at room temperature to enhance its flavors. If refrigerated, let it sit out for a bit before serving.
Step-by-step instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat
- Add the shelled fava beans to the pot of boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fava beans to a large bowl of ice water and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Drain the cooled fava beans using a colander or strainer.
- Gently squeeze each bean to remove the tough outer skin. Discard the skins.
- After peeling, place beans into the bowl of a food processor to blend.
- Mince the garlic and chop the fresh dill.
- Measure out the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin.
- In the bowl of a food processor, combine the peeled fava beans, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin.
- Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- If the hummus is too thick, gradually add warm water or more olive oil, one tablespoon at a time, and blend until you reach the desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or cumin as needed.
Top Tips:
- Before serving, add a steady drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle with paprika.
- Garnish with fresh dill or chopped mint leaves for a refreshing twist
- Serve with pita bread or fresh veggies for dipping
How to best enjoy Fava Bean Hummus
- With pita bread, baguette slices, crackers, or pita chips
- With fresh veggies
- Make it into a sandwich spread
- Dollop on top of salads for added protein and texture
- Serve alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or fish
- Stuff vegetables with a spoonful of hummus for bite-sized appetizers
- Include it as part of a cheese board, along with olives, cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits
- Use as a topping for baked sweet potatoes or regular potatoes
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Storage instructions
Refrigeration: Store the hummus in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 5-7 days.
Cover with Olive Oil – to help keep it from drying out, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top before sealing the container. This creates a barrier that helps preserve freshness.
Stir Before Serving – if the hummus separates a bit while stored, just give it a good stir before serving to reincorporate the ingredients.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze hummus. Portion it into smaller containers or freezer bags, leaving a bit of room for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thawing – when ready to use, thaw the hummus in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, stir it well and add a bit of water or olive oil if needed to restore its creamy consistency.
Fresh Fava Bean Hummus
Equipment
- medium pot
- slotted spoon
- large bowl
- Colander or strainer
- food processor or blender
- measuring cups and spoons
- Chef's knife & cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh fava beans shelled and blanched
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste start with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat
- Add the shelled fava beans to the pot of boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fava beans to a large bowl of ice water and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Drain the cooled fava beans using a colander or strainer.
- Gently squeeze each bean to remove the tough outer skin. Discard the skins.
- After peeling, place beans into the bowl of a food processor to blend.
- Mince the garlic and chop the fresh dill.
- Measure out the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin.
- In the bowl of a food processor, combine the peeled fava beans, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin.
- Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- If the hummus is too thick, gradually add warm water or more olive oil, one tablespoon at a time, and blend until you reach the desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or cumin as needed.
Notes
Nutrition
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Conclusion
If you’re looking for a good recipe to impress your guests, this Fava Bean Hummus is the one to try.
This creamy hummus is not just healthy but also a great way to enjoy a unique and nutritious dip that’s perfect for any occasion.
FAQ
What does fava bean hummus taste like?
Fava bean hummus has a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of nuttiness from the fava beans. It is complemented by creamy tahini and fresh, bright notes from dill and lemon juice.
Can I use frozen fava beans instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen fava beans. Make sure to thaw and blanch them as you would with fresh beans.
What can I use instead of tahini?
You can substitute tahini with sunflower seed butter, almond butter, or even Greek yogurt for a different flavor profile.
Do I need to peel the fava beans?
Yes, peeling the fava beans is essential to achieve a smooth and creamy texture. The outer skins are tough and can make the hummus grainy if not removed.
Can I make this hummus ahead of time?
Absolutely! Fava bean hummus can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container and drizzle a bit of olive oil on top to keep it fresh.
Can I freeze fava bean hummus?
Yes, you can freeze it. Portion it into smaller containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. You can keep it frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator and stir well before serving.
How can I adjust the consistency of the hummus?
If the hummus is too thick, gradually add warm water or more olive oil, blending until you reach the desired consistency.
What can I serve with fava bean hummus?
Serve it with pita bread, fresh veggies, crackers, as a spread in sandwiches, or as a topping for salads and grilled meats.
Can I add other flavors to the hummus?
Yes, you can customize your hummus by adding roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs like parsley or cilantro, or spices like cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
