Foul

Foul – hearty Lebanese bean dish
Lebanon
⏱ — min. Serves: —

Foul is a beloved breakfast dish in Lebanon, made primarily from fava beans. This hearty meal is often enjoyed with pita bread and various toppings, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the region. It's a staple in Lebanese households, often served on weekends or during special occasions.

⚡ Medium 🔥 ~250 kcal / serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups dried fava beans (or 3 cans of cooked fava beans, drained and rinsed)
  • 4 cups water (for dried beans)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tomato, diced (optional)
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup pickled radishes, sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup sliced olives (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Beans

Cook Dried Beans

If using dried fava beans, rinse them and soak them overnight in water. The next day, drain the beans and place them in a large pot with 4 cups of fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender. Drain and set aside.

Skip This Step if Using Canned Beans

If using canned fava beans, skip the soaking and cooking step and proceed with the recipe.

Prepare the Foul

Cook Garlic and Spices

In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add Spices

Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground paprika, ground turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.

Add Beans

Add the cooked fava beans to the skillet and stir to combine with the spices. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beans are heated through and slightly softened. If the beans seem too dry, add a splash of water or vegetable broth.

Finish with Lemon Juice

Stir in the fresh lemon juice and remove from heat.

Serve

Garnish and Serve

Transfer the foul to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley, diced tomato, finely chopped onion, pickled radishes, and sliced olives if desired.

Serve the foul warm, with pita bread or as a side dish.

Enjoy your meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Foul?

Foul is a traditional Lebanese dish made from fava beans, typically seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and spices.

Where does Foul come from?

Foul has its roots in ancient Middle Eastern cuisine and is especially popular in Lebanon as a breakfast staple.

What are the main ingredients in Foul?

The key ingredients in Foul include dried fava beans, olive oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric.

How long does Foul take to make?

Foul takes approximately 75-110 minutes to prepare, especially if using dried beans.

What do you serve with Foul?

Foul is often served with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.