Reflections From a Murky Pond

Foole Meze is a Greek fava bean appetizer or starter course. In point of fact my name for the dish translates as “fava bean appetizer.”

Foole Meze (Serves 4 - 6)

Ingredients

3 cups frozen fava (broad) beans
1/2 cup kalamata olives
4-6 marinated artichoke hearts, quartered
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
4 teaspoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Cook the fava beans in rapidly boiling water for 4 minutes, then rinse under cold water.
Remove the leathery outer skin from the fava beans and discard.
Mix together the shelled fava beans, olives, and artichoke hearts in a bowl.
Mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and sea salt in a small bowl.
Place equal amounts of the fava bean mixture on serving plates, drizzle with the dressing, and top with the parsley and a little freshly ground black pepper.

I especially like this dish served with good feta cheese and a loaf of crusty bread to sop up the seasoned olive oil.

I hope you enjoy!