Middle-Eastern Fava Bean Stew

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Middle-Eastern Fava Bean Stew.

1. Step 1

   To create a delightful harissa paste, start by heating a dry skillet over high heat. Add the coriander, caraway, and cumin seeds, gently shaking the pan until the spices release their fragrant aroma, which should take about 2 minutes. Once fragrant, remove the pan from the heat and transfer the seeds to a mortar. Grind them into a fine powder using a pestle. Next, add the garlic, coarse sea salt, sweet paprika, and dried red pepper flakes, mashing and stirring until the garlic is well incorporated into the spice mixture. It will have a dry, crumbly texture. Gradually mix in enough of the extra-virgin olive oil until you achieve a thick paste. If you prefer a milder heat, feel free to reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. Set this flavorful paste aside for later use.

2. Step 2

   In a large pot, pour in the olive oil and add the minced onion and garlic. Cook them slowly over low heat until the onions turn translucent, which should take about 10 minutes. Once the onions are ready, push them to one side of the pot and stir in the chopped anchovies. Cook the anchovies until they soften, using the back of a wooden spoon to mash them until they dissolve into the mixture. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

3. Step 3

   Now, it’s time to add the vibrant vegetables! Toss in the diced butternut squash, chopped carrots, diced red bell pepper, and frozen peas, along with a pinch of salt. Stir everything together and let it cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for about a minute.

4. Step 4

   Next, stir in the drained fava beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, and the harissa paste you prepared earlier. Add the brown sugar and pomegranate molasses, stirring well to combine. Bring the stew back to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook uncovered for about 1.5 hours, allowing the flavors to deepen and develop into a rich, hearty stew.

5. Step 5

   Just before serving, stir in the freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. If you like, top your stew with the optional fresh mint for an extra layer of freshness.