Fava bean hummus

Fava bean hummus

Creamy, herb-forward, with tahini and fresh dill.

25 minEasyDipVegan

This fava bean hummus combines the creamy texture of cooked fava beans with tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh dill. It is an alternative take on classic chickpea hummus, with a milder, slightly nutty flavor.

Instructions

  1. 1

    Add all ingredients to the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure the lid.

  2. 2

    Start the Dips & Spreads program, or run the blender at the lowest speed and ramp quickly to the highest. Blend for 60 seconds, using the tamper to push ingredients toward the blades.

  3. 3

    Taste and adjust with salt and additional lemon juice if needed.

  4. 4

    Transfer the hummus to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with fresh dill leaves.

Chef's Note

Instead of dill, you can use basil, mint, parsley, chives, or tarragon — individually or in combination. If you cannot find fresh fava beans, frozen ones work just as well. Make sure they are already peeled, or blanch and peel them yourself. The hummus keeps in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Fava beans have a firm consistency that the Vitamix, with the help of the tamper and a constant high-power vortex, processes in 60 seconds into a uniformly creamy paste — without fibers or grainy residue. The same physics as with chickpea hummus: a dense mass needs downward pressure and sufficient blade speed.

Blending technique: use the Dips & Spreads program or ramp from lowest to highest speed; the tamper is essential to push the fava bean mass toward the blades; blend for 60 seconds.

Nutrition per 100 g

Energy 243 kcal1017 kJ
Fat 17.6 g
of which saturated fat 2.0 g
Carbohydrates 12.5 g
of which sugars 0.6 g
Protein 7.2 g
Salt 0.19 g
Fiber 3.0 g

Values per EU FIC Regulation (1169/2011). Values are averages and may vary depending on ingredients and preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are fava beans and where can I get them?
Fava beans, also called broad beans, are large, flat legumes with a mild, slightly nutty flavor. They are fresh in spring and otherwise available frozen at the supermarket or at Turkish grocery stores. For this recipe, be sure to peel the beans (remove the outer skin and the inner silvery membrane) — that is the only way the hummus turns creamy and light green.
Can I use canned fava beans?
Yes. Drained and rinsed canned beans are the quickest option. Make sure they are already peeled — some products still contain the inner silvery membrane, which makes the hummus bitter. When in doubt, blanch them briefly and slip off the skins.
How does fava bean hummus differ from classic chickpea hummus?
The texture is similarly creamy, but the flavor is milder and slightly more herbaceous — especially with the fresh dill in this recipe. Fava beans naturally have less starch than chickpeas, which makes the hummus a little lighter and less dense. A pleasant change in taste.
How long does fava bean hummus keep?
In an airtight container it keeps in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. A thin film of olive oil on the surface protects it from drying out. Before serving, stir it briefly and let it come to room temperature — that brings out the dill character best.
Which herbs pair well alongside dill?
Basil adds a Mediterranean note, mint is refreshing and works especially well on mezze platters, parsley is mild and available year-round, and tarragon brings an anise-like seasoning. You can also use a combination — the same amount as the dill, just different herbs.