Cumin-Scented Fava Bean Puree
A smooth, earthy puree made from cooked fava beans, brightened with lemon and toasted cumin for a simple side dish. This eritrean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs (15 oz), drained fava beans, lemon juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz), drained fava beans
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 can (15 oz) drained fava beans, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp salt into a food processor. Process on high for 1 minute until smooth.
- Step 2: With the processor running, slowly add 1/4 cup water until the mixture reaches a creamy consistency that spreads easily.
- Step 3: Taste and adjust salt if needed. Transfer to a serving bowl and let sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cumin-Scented Fava Bean Puree take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cumin-Scented Fava Bean Puree?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (15 oz), drained fava beans from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cumin-Scented Fava Bean Puree?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cumin-Scented Fava Bean Puree for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Cumin-Scented Fava Bean Puree vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this cumin-scented are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better vegetarian dishes though.
