Mediterranean > Maltese > Bigillas

Bigilla with Mushrooms and Thyme Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 can of fava beans (15 oz)
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz of mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves

Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or blender

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Drain and rinse the fava beans and place them in a food processor or blender.
2. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the food processor or blender.
3. Blend the mixture until it becomes a smooth paste.
4. In a separate pan, sauté the sliced mushrooms with a tablespoon of olive oil until they are tender and lightly browned.
5. Add the fresh thyme leaves to the mushrooms and stir to combine.
6. Add the mushroom and thyme mixture to the fava bean paste and stir to combine.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve the bigilla with mushrooms and thyme as a dip or spread with crackers, bread, or vegetables.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
5. Temperature:
- N/A
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 4g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use dried fava beans instead of canned fava beans, but you will need to soak them overnight and cook them before blending.
- You can use any type of mushroom you prefer, such as button mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms.
- You can use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme, but reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon.

Variations:
- You can add other herbs or spices to the bigilla, such as parsley, cilantro, or red pepper flakes.
- You can add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes to the bigilla for extra flavor.
- You can use this bigilla as a base for a sandwich or wrap, and add sliced vegetables, cheese, or meat.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to rinse the canned fava beans well before using them to remove any excess salt or preservatives.
- If the bigilla is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water or olive oil to thin it out.
- You can make this bigilla ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Storage instructions:
- Store the bigilla in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- N/A

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the bigilla in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves on top.

Garnishes:
- Fresh thyme leaves
- A drizzle of olive oil

Pairings:
- Crackers
- Bread
- Vegetables (carrots, celery, cucumber)

Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled chicken
- Roasted vegetables
- Salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bigilla is too thick, add a tablespoon of water or olive oil to thin it out.
- If the bigilla is too thin, add more fava beans or reduce the amount of liquid.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to rinse the canned fava beans well before using them to remove any excess salt or preservatives.
- Store the bigilla in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Food history:
- Bigilla is a traditional Maltese dip made from fava beans, olive oil, and garlic. It is usually served with bread or crackers as a snack or appetizer.

Flavor profiles:
- Earthy, savory, and slightly tangy.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the bigilla with mushrooms and thyme as a dip or spread with crackers, bread, or vegetables.

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Taste: Savory, Earthy, Herbal, Umami, Aromatic