Fava Bean Puree Spread

Fava Bean Puree with Toasted Simit – A Mediterranean Delight

Fava Bean Purée is one of those timeless dishes that instantly transports you to a sun-soaked coastal café. Chef Rebecca Taylor brings her love for travel-inspired cooking to this comforting Mediterranean classic—creamy, bright, and deeply satisfying. Whether you pick up fresh beans from your favorite international supermarket or keep dried fava beans in the pantry for convenience, this recipe works beautifully year-round. Toasted simit, the iconic sesame-crusted Turkish bread, adds the perfect contrast in texture for dipping and spreading.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Nutritious & Flavorful – Fava beans offer plant-based protein, fiber, and earthy richness.
✔ Simple Ingredients, Big Taste – A handful of Mediterranean staples creates restaurant-quality flavor.
✔ Versatile Mezze – Serve as a dip, spread, or elegant appetizer.
✔ Naturally Vegan – Perfect for a range of dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Fava Bean Purée

• 2 cups fresh fava beans (or 1 ½ cups dried, soaked overnight)
  

• 1 yellow onion, diced
  

• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
  

• 3 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
  

• ½ tsp white pepper (or black pepper)
  

• ½ tsp sugar (optional)
  

• Salt, to taste
  

• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (plus more for garnish)
  

• Juice of ½ lemon
  
  

For Serving

• Toasted simit or crusty bread
  

• High-quality olive oil
  

• Fresh dill or microgreens
  

• Lemon wedges
  
  

Chef’s Note: If using dried fava beans, soak overnight and boil 30–40 minutes until tender.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fava Beans

If using fresh beans, pop them from their pods and blanch in salted boiling water for 3 minutes.
Transfer to an ice bath and peel off the outer skin for a smoother texture and greener color.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Warm olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Sauté the onion and garlic for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Blend the Purée

Combine the fava beans, sautéed aromatics, olive oil, sugar, white pepper, salt, dill, and lemon juice in a high-speed blender.
Blend until creamy, adding water or additional oil to adjust consistency. For a rustic texture, pulse instead of fully blending.

Step 4: Let It Set

Spread the purée into a lightly greased dish and cover.
Refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor, or chill for at least 2 hours if short on time.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Toast your simit until golden and fragrant.
Drizzle the purée with olive oil, add fresh herbs, and serve with lemon wedges.

Tips for the Best Fava Bean Purée

• Use high-quality olive oil for richness and smooth texture.
  

• Add a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika if you want subtle warmth.
  

• Roast the garlic before blending for a sweeter, mellow finish.
  

• Try pita, lavash, or gluten-free bread if you're avoiding sesame or wheat.
  
  

Perfect Pairings

Create a full mezze spread by serving your purée alongside:

• Grilled eggplant and zucchini
  

• Tabbouleh
  

• Spiced chickpeas
  

• Fresh salmon cakes or any light seafood dish
  

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Greek Assyrtiko makes a refreshing pairing.

Weekly Offers at Super King Market

Stop by your local Super King Market this week to explore fresh seasonal ingredients, vibrant herbs, premium olive oils, and artisan breads perfect for your Mediterranean cooking. Check out the weekly promotions to stock up on essentials from the butcher shop, seasonal fresh produce, and pantry favorites that make weeknight meals easier and more flavorful.

Try This Recipe Today

From sourcing fresh beans at an ethnic grocery store to adding simit from a neighborhood bakery, every ingredient brings cultural richness to your table. If you prefer convenience, explore grocery delivery services that keep your kitchen stocked and ready to cook. Enjoy this authentic spread at home and share it with family and friends at your next gathering.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe using ingredients from a grocery store near me?

Absolutely. Most ingredients—fava beans, garlic, onions, and herbs—are easy to find at a grocery store near you, whether fresh or dried. Frozen fava beans work well too.

What if I only have access to dried beans from a supermarket near me?

Dried beans are perfect for this recipe. Soak them overnight, cook until soft, and blend. Almost every supermarket near you stocks dried legumes year-round.

Can I find simit at a Mediterranean grocery store?

Yes. A Mediterranean grocery store often carries simit, sesame breads, or similar regional options that pair beautifully with this purée.

How do I store leftovers from an ethnic grocery store meal prep?

After preparing this dip with ingredients from an ethnic grocery store, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors deepen beautifully.

Can I use fresh produce near me instead of dried beans?

Fresh beans from the fresh produce near you section give the purée a vibrant green color and lighter flavor, making it a seasonal favorite.

Is it helpful to buy the beans at an international supermarket?

Yes. An international supermarket often offers multiple varieties of fava beans, including peeled, frozen, dried, or fresh, making preparation even easier.

Final Thoughts

This Fava Bean Purée with toasted simit is a beautiful celebration of Mediterranean flavors—simple, nourishing, and rich with cultural inspiration. Whether you're shopping fresh ingredients from your favorite market or relying on pantry staples, this recipe delivers comfort and elegance in every bite. Enjoy it as part of a mezze spread, share it at gatherings, or savor it as a wholesome snack any day of the week.