Dive into the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine with our delightful Fava Bean Soup, a dish that promises to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds! This vibrant soup, enriched with the zesty brightness of lemon crème fraîche and the aromatic touch of fresh thyme, is not just a meal; it's an experience. Perfect for cozy evenings or impressing guests at your next dinner party, this recipe is simple enough for weeknight cooking yet sophisticated enough to elevate any occasion. Curious to discover how to create this culinary masterpiece in just 45 minutes? Read on and unlock the secrets to this deliciously creamy soup!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fava beans, shelled
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup crème fraîche
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the fava beans by removing them from their pods if not already shelled. Rinse the beans thoroughly under cool water.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Add shelled fava beans to the pot and stir to combine with onions and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes to slightly toast the beans.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot, ensuring beans are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Add chopped fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover the pot and let simmer for 20-25 minutes until fava beans are tender and fully cooked.
- While soup is simmering, prepare the lemon crème fraîche by mixing crème fraîche with fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
- Once beans are tender, use an immersion blender to partially purée the soup, leaving some beans whole for texture. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender and pulse.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Ladle hot soup into serving bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of lemon crème fraîche and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.
- Garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Fresh vs. Dried Fava Beans: If you can find fresh fava beans, they are a fantastic option for this soup. However, dried fava beans work just as well—just be sure to soak them overnight before cooking!
- Customize Your Broth: For added flavor, consider using homemade vegetable broth or adding a splash of white wine to the pot before simmering.
- Texture Preference: If you prefer a smoother soup, blend it completely. For a chunkier texture, only partially purée the soup, leaving some whole beans for a delightful bite.
- Crème Fraîche Alternatives: If crème fraîche is hard to find, sour cream or Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute. Just add a bit of lemon juice to mimic the tanginess.
- Garnish with Flair: Elevate your presentation by garnishing with additional fresh thyme leaves, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or even some croutons for added crunch!
- Make Ahead: This soup keeps well in the fridge for a few days, so feel free to make it in advance. Just reheat gently on the stove and add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair the soup with warm pita bread or a fresh salad to create a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg
