Before we get started, let’s be honest. Fava Bean Hummus is a labor of love. Yet, it’s a labor of love that is fully worth the time and patience it takes to make this delicious bean hummus. Fava bean hummus is delicious and nourishing. It’s a perfect companion for your veggies during your picnic or snack time.
I first learned about making Fava Bean Hummus from our teacher at farm school (shoutout to our amazing teacher Paul Maschka at Wild Willow Farm). My partner and I are enrolled in a sustainable regenerative farming class. On the farm, they are growing Fava Beans and our teacher pointed out that the beans make an excellent hummus. I decided to give it a try and see how it worked!
The next day we walked to our local farm stand here in Laguna Beach. Right away we spotted a big box of freshly picked Fava Beans. They were just calling my name to try out this new hummus recipe. Luckily, I had the afternoon to do some recipe testing and decided to make this fava bean hummus recipe.
What are Fava Beans?
Fava beans are long bean pods with a massive bean on the inside. They have a slightly creamy texture (perfect for hummus) and an earthier, nutty taste. Since these are larger beans, you definitely will get your fair share of hummus with this recipe with just a handful of fava beans.
Fava beans are a cool-season crop. Depending on where you live, you will determine when you can find these delicious beans. In Southern California, we found them fresh at the farmer’s market in early May.
Are Fava Beans a legume?
Yes, fava beans are considered a legume. If you have sensitivities to legumes, I’d look into a less traditional hummus such as our Roasted Cauliflower Garlic Hummus.
What are the benefits of Fava Beans?
As I learned more about the benefits of Fava beans, I got more excited to share this recipe. Fava beans have a wide variety of health benefits. Fava beans are rich in protein and fiber. They are also rich in iron which can help if you struggle with an iron deficiency or anemia. This Fava Bean hummus will give all of these health benefits while being delicious and enjoyable.
How to Make Fava Bean Hummus
So you’ve got your Fava Beans, how do you make the hummus? First, Fava Beans have a few layers to peel before you get to the bean you are looking for. To start, peel the main green pod away, similar to how you would a sugar snap pea.
Once you have all of the fava beans extracted from their pods, it’s time to boil the fava beans. Add all of the fava beans to boiling water until they become soft. Once the beans are soft, pour the beans, with skins on, into a bowl of ice water. This will shock the beans making the next step much easier. Let them cool, and peel off the second layer from the bean. This is where you test your patience because peeling the second layer is a tedious process. Throw on some music, and make it a meditation. When it’s done, It will be totally worth it!
After the beans have been peeled, you can take the beans, and the rest of the ingredients and place them in a high-speed blender. From there, you just need to blend the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth.
Related Recipes
For more side dish and picnic ideas, check out the following recipes:
Fava Bean Hummus
Want the perfect side dish for your picnic or party? Check out this Fava Bean Hummus. It's delicious and packed with a wide variety of nutrients and health benefits.
Ingredients
Instructions
- De-shell the fava beans.
- Boil the fava beans with the outer flesh until fully soft (about 8-10 minutes)
- Put the cooked fava beans into a bowl of ice water. Let cool.
- Once cool, peel the outer flesh off of the fava beans.
- Place the de-skinned fava beans and the rest of the ingredients into a high-speed blender or food processor.
- Blend until fully smooth.
- Serve the hummus in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Add edible flowers, if you wish! (optional)
- Enjoy right away or store in the fridge for 3-4 days.