Combos are always the best. Mac & Cheese. PB & J. Bert & Ernie… you get the idea! Today we have an incredibly delicious hummus combo- Fava Bean and Caramelized Leek Hummus. It is simply CRAZY GOOD.
Fava beans are one of those beans that tend to fly under the radar. One always hears about them more in the spring but I don’t believe everyone realizes their recipe potential quite yet. But in this recipe, the fresh fava beans shine in all their green glory, perfect for a spring hummus.
But I will be honest, fava beans can be a little tart and that is exactly why this hummus combo works! The caramelized leeks bring a sweet and savory component to the light and airy fava beans.
This hummus will require a little effort, more than the typical throw it in and just blend. But don’t worry, it’s so worth it. However, if you are in a time crunch, feel free to use canned fava beans (also known as broad beans). Just making that minor adjustment will shave off a good deal of time and effort.
Whatever you do though, don’t forget to caramelize the leeks. The sweetness offsets the tart fava beans and just brings an air of glamour to this fun hummus. Now, we choose to simply stir the leeks into the blended hummus. However, you could also blend the leeks with the rest of the ingredients as well. We love the slight texture the caramelized leeks provide when they are stirred in, but of course the flavor is amazing regardless.
If you are still on the fence about this Fava Bean and Caramelized Leek Hummus, here are 5 reasons YOU NEED this combo in your life…
- Fava beans are fabulous.
- Caramelized leeks are so much trendier than caramelized onions.
- You only need 6 ingredients.
- Hummus should be its own food group.
- Wait… did I say 4 or 5 reasons? Oh, I know, IT’S SOOOO GOOOOD!!!
Last but not least, ENJOY!
- 2 lbs Fava Beans (Blanched and Peeled)
- 2 Leeks (Sliced and Soaked)
- 1 Lemon (Juiced)
- 3 Tbsp Tahini
- 2 Cloves Garlic
- Olive oil
- Put a large pot of water on to boil.
- Remove the fava beans from the pods.
- Trim the ends off the leeks, Slice in half lengthwise and slice thin.
- Please the sliced leeks into a large bowl of water. Agitate with your hands to separate the layers. This helps remove any dirt stuck between the layers.
- Fill another large bowl with cold water and several ice cubes.
- Once the water is boiling add the fava beans to the boiling water. Allow to boil for 3 minutes.
- Drain the fava beans and immediately add them to the ice water. Allow to sit for 5 minutes.
- Use your fingers to remove the outer shell of the fava beans. You will be left with a very bright green bean. Set aside.
- Drain the leeks and rinse. In a large skillet, simmer the leeks with olive oil over medium heat. Stirring very frequently until the leeks are very brown but not burnt. This will probably take between 30 and 40 minutes.
- Add the fava beans, tahini, lemon juice, peeled garlic cloves and a small amount of olive oil to a blender. Blend on high until smooth, adding small amounts of water if needed to give it a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Transfer the hummus to a bowl and stir in the caramelized leeks.
- Garnish with fresh sprouts if desired. Serve with fresh cut veggies or crackers.
- Enjoy!