What is Foul Food!

Foul (say fool) Moudammas is the name for a refreshing, delicious Mediterranean fava bean salad that’s perfect for a Spring or Summer picnic outdoors. Fresh fava beans can be a bit of a chore to find and prepare. The good news is that this dish is best made with canned fava beans available at most grocery stores.

Foul Moudamas Recipe

2 cans fava beans (small beans are better)
1/2 cup fresh-squeezed lime juice
1 tbsp red wine vinegar (Optional)
3 cloves blanched, mashed garlic
1 small blanched, diced sweet onion
1/2 cup chopped seedless cucumber, skin on
1/2 cup chopped romaine lettuce
1 chopped hard boiled egg
1 medium-sized diced tomato
2 tbsps finely chopped flat parsley
2 tbsps rough-chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp sweet paprika
Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
6 small round pita breads

Small Fava Beans

Method:

Cut pita into halves or triangles, toast until golden brown, then set aside
Drain beans in colander, then place in a large mixing bowl
Blanch garlic in hot water until softened, then mash with chef’s knife
Blanch onion in hot water and dice
Whisk lime juice, vinegar and 2/3 of the olive oil, adding oil slowly to emulsify
Add beans to the lime juice, and olive oil mixture and mix until beans are coated
Add parsley, cilantro and remaining olive oil and mix gently
Add tomato, onion, lettuce, cucumber, egg and mix gently
Add paprika cumin, salt, and pepper and mix gently until incorporated
Adjust spices to taste