Egyptian Fava Beans

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 jalapeño pepper, diced and seeded
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 (15-ounce) cans fava beans, drained and rinsed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Cherry tomatoes, diced
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
• Pita bread or vegetables for serving

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add jalapeño and garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. The jalapeño's heat will infuse the oil, while the garlic's earthy flavor will complement the other ingredients.
2. Cook Tomatoes: Stir in diced tomatoes and cumin. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tomatoes are softened and slightly broken down. This will release the tomatoes' natural sweetness and acidity, adding depth to the dip.
3. Combine Fava Beans: Add drained fava beans to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. Fava beans, also known as broad beans, offer a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
4. Mash Partially: Using the back of a spoon, gently mash about half of the fava beans for a creamy texture. This will create a contrast between the creamy mashed portion and the whole fava beans, adding visual appeal and a variety of textures.
5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the fava bean mixture to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh, herbaceous touch and diced cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and sweetness. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil to add a touch of richness and flavor. Serve with pita bread or your favorite vegetables.

Tips:

• For a spicier dip: Leave the jalapeño seeds in.
• For a smoother texture: Use a food processor to purée the fava beans.
• Serve with a variety of dipping options: Consider offering pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, or cucumber slices.
• For a more substantial appetizer: Serve with toasted crostini or grilled skewers.
• To add a touch of citrus: Squeeze a bit of lemon or lime juice over the dip before serving.