Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the bustling markets of Morocco, where aromatic spices dance in the air and hearty stews simmer with generations of culinary tradition. This Fava Bean and Meat Stew is not just a recipe; it's a journey through flavor, comfort, and cultural richness that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary gastronomic adventure. Packed with tender meat, creamy fava beans, and a symphony of spices, this stew promises to tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul in ways you never expected.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: Moroccan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound beef or lamb, cubed
- 2 cups fava beans, shelled
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the cubed beef or lamb. Sear the meat on all sides until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Once the meat is browned, add the cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat with the spices.
- Pour in the 4 cups of water, ensuring that the meat is fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- After 1 hour, add the shelled fava beans to the pot. Stir gently to combine.
- Continue to simmer the stew for an additional 30 minutes, or until the beans are tender and the meat is cooked through.
- Once cooking is complete, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Choose the Right Meat: For the most authentic flavor, opt for lamb, but high-quality beef works wonderfully too. Look for well-marbled cuts that will become tender during slow cooking.
- Bean Preparation: If using fresh fava beans, shell them carefully and remove the outer skin for the smoothest texture. Frozen fava beans can be a great time-saving alternative.
- Spice Layering: Toast your cumin briefly in the pot before adding other ingredients to enhance its nutty, warm flavor profile.
- Slow Cooking is Key: Resist the urge to rush the cooking process. Low and slow simmering ensures meat that falls apart and beans that are perfectly creamy.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro isn't just a garnish—it adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, hearty stew.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the stew to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld and intensify.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with fluffy couscous or warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
