Popular Moroccan Fava Bean

Recipes Using Broad Beans

Written by
Christine Benlafquih
Christine Benlafquih is a freelance writer and cooking class instructor with a background in Moroccan cuisine.
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Christine Benlafquih
Updated 07/17/19

In Morocco and throughout the Middle East, fava beans are called by their Arabic name, ful. In various parts of the English-speaking world, they're also known as broad beans, horse beans, Windsor beans, and English beans. Whatever you call them, fava beans are delicious and nutritional. Try them in the Moroccan recipes listed below.

  • 01 of 08

    Tagine of Lamb With Fava Beans

    fava beans with olives and preserved lemon
    Morocca fava beans with olives and preserved lemon. Christine Benlafquih

    This delicious tagine features freshly shelled fava beans in a tangy sauce flavored with ginger and preserved lemons. No need to peel the fava beans ahead of time as each diner decides whether or not to do so at the table. Beef or goat meat can be substituted for the lamb.

  • 02 of 08

    Moroccan Meatball and Fava Bean Tagine

    petite Moroccan meatballs with fava beans and potatoes
    Moroccan Meatball Tagine with Fava Beans and Potatoes. Christine Benlafquih

    Tiny kefta meatballs are cooked alongside peeled fresh fava beans in a sauce lightly seasoned with ginger and saffron. Go ahead and dig in with a fork if you like, but traditionally khobz (Moroccan bread) is used in place of a utensil.

  • 03 of 08

    Fava Bean Salad With Chermoula

    fava beans in garlic, lemon and olive oil marinade
    Moroccan Fava Bean Salad with Olive Oil and Spices.

    Christine Benlafquih

    This easy cooked Fava Bean Salad is usually offered as a side, but it can also be served as a vegetarian main dish. Moroccans typically eat it as a dip with Moroccan bread or as finger food. Whether or not to remove the fava bean skins is left to the preference of the diner. 

  • 04 of 08

    Fava Beans in Tomato Sauce

    fava beans in tomato sauce
    Moroccan Fava Beans in Tomato Sauce. Christine Benlafquih

    This traditional Moroccan dish features fava beans in a zesty tomato sauce. Although usually served as a side, it would make an excellent vegetarian main dish as well.

    Continue to 5 of 8 below.
  • 05 of 08

    Fava Beans With Salt and Cumin

    boiled fava beans served with salt and cumin
    Fresh Fava Beans with Salt and Cumin. Christine Benlafquih

    Fava beans are loaded with good taste and are high in protein, iron, and fiber. This recipe pairs fresh, boiled fava beans with salt and cumin on the side. Very simple, but surprisingly tasty.

  • 06 of 08

    Bessara - Fava Bean Dip

    Fava Bean Dip

    Fava Bean Dip, Flickr CC 2.0

    Although fresh fava beans are all the rage while in season, Moroccan cuisine makes good use of dried beans as well. Here, dried fava beans, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil are used to make a zesty Moroccan dip which may be thinned to soup consistency. Serve with a spoon and with some crusty bread for dipping in.

  • 07 of 08

    Couscous With Seven Vegetables

    Couscous With Seven Vegetables
    Christine Benlafquih

    Fava beans aren't always the star ingredient; here, for example, they show up as an optional but popular addition to a classic Couscous with Seven Vegetables. Add as many as you like; a handful or two is usually sufficient.

  • 08 of 08

    Moroccan Tagine of Fava Beans and Artichokes

    Fava beans

     Douglas Sacha / Moment / Getty Images

    What's better than combining two seasonal favorites in one dish?! This tagine features the popular pairing of fava beans with artichoke bottoms. Although we always start with fresh artichokes, you can use frozen artichoke bottoms to save time.