Egyptian Bean Soup Ful Nabed

Experience the comforting warmth of Egyptian cuisine with Ful Nabed, a hearty and flavorful fava bean soup that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. This traditional recipe combines earthy dried fava beans with aromatic cumin, onion, and garlic, all simmered in a savory broth for over an hour to achieve a rich, robust flavor. A drizzle of olive oil and a touch of tomato paste add depth, while fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice provide the perfect finishing touch. With its creamy-yet-chunky texture achieved by partially blending the soup, Ful Nabed is a satisfying meal ideal for cozy evenings or as an impressive starter for a Middle Eastern-inspired feast. Packed with plant-based protein and simple pantry staples, this easy-to-make soup is both wholesome and authentically Egyptian.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:100 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried fava beans
• 1 medium, chopped onion
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 for serving, cut into wedges lemon
• 2 tablespoons, chopped for garnish fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried fava beans thoroughly under cold water and soak them in a large bowl of water overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse before cooking.

Step 2

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes, until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and ground cumin to the pot and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.

Step 5

Add the soaked and drained fava beans to the pot, followed by the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 60-75 minutes, or until the fava beans are tender.

Step 7

Once the beans are soft, use an immersion blender to purée some of the soup directly in the pot. This will create a creamy texture while keeping some of the beans whole for added texture. Alternatively, transfer about 1 cup of the soup to a blender, purée until smooth, and return it to the pot.

Step 8

Season the soup with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste. Stir well and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 9

Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1443.8 grams (1443.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1132

Total Fat 34.70g	44%
Saturated Fat 5.50g	28%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5857mg	255%
Total Carbohydrate 152.00g	55%
Dietary Fiber 55.80g	199%
Total Sugars 17.70g
Protein 63.60g	127%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 379mg	29%
Iron 19mg	106%
Potassium 2988mg	64%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 26.6%

Protein: 21.7%

Carbs: 51.8%