My first day in Jordan, as part of a trip sponsored by the Jordan Tourism Board, was a whirlwind. I was tired, but didn’t want to waste a single moment while exploring Jordan. At last, we sat down for a simple lunch and I was excited to try some fresh hummus and falafel. What I wasn’t expecting was a strange, small dish that everyone seemed to be enjoying – foul.
Foul (pronounced fool) is a very simple concept, which explains why it dates back thousands of years and can be traced around the Middle East. In Jordan, it was most commonly eaten as or with breakfast, but I quickly noticed that it was a side dish at every meal, and even offered as a snack. Served with warm rounds of bread, it makes a great meal.
The key ingredient in foul are fava beans, and a rich variety of spices and olive oil that, once combined, make a delicious, hummus-like meal or snack. I asked my guide Abed how to make it and, after a quick call to his mom, this is what he supplied.
Jordanian Foul:
Ingredients
Fava beans
Salt
Garlic
Green peppers
Lemon
Olive Oil
Directions
Boil the fava beans with water until they are very soft. (can also be soaked overnight for same result)
When soft, remove from heat and grind with salt until a paste forms.
Add green peppers, lemon and salt to taste, and continue to mash.
Top the finished product with olive oil and serve!
