Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of dried fava beans
- 1 head of garlic
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or blender
- Roasting pan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Soak the dried fava beans in water overnight.
2. Drain the beans and rinse them with fresh water.
3. In a large pot, cover the beans with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
4. Drain the beans and let them cool.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
6. Cut the top off the head of garlic and place it in a roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil and roast for 30 minutes or until the garlic is soft and fragrant.
7. In a food processor or blender, combine the cooked fava beans, roasted garlic, basil leaves, water, and salt. Pulse until smooth.
8. With the motor running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
10. Serve the bigilla with roasted garlic and basil at room temperature.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
- Cooking time: 1 hour (plus 30 minutes for roasting garlic)
5. Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- This recipe makes about 2 cups of bigilla.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 7g
- Fiber: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Dried fava beans can be substituted with canned fava beans.
- Fresh basil leaves can be substituted with dried basil.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of cumin or paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Top with chopped tomatoes and onions for a fresh twist.
- Serve with pita bread or crackers for dipping.
Tips and tricks:
- Soak the fava beans overnight to reduce cooking time.
- Roasting the garlic adds depth of flavor to the bigilla.
- Slowly pour in the olive oil to achieve a creamy texture.
Storage instructions:
- Store the bigilla in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Let the bigilla come to room temperature before serving.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the bigilla in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of chopped basil.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Sliced olives
- Feta cheese crumbles
Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp white wine or a cold beer.
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables
- Hummus
- Tabouli salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bigilla is too thick, add more water or olive oil to achieve the desired consistency.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the fava beans thoroughly to avoid any risk of food poisoning.
Food history:
- Bigilla is a traditional Maltese dish made with fava beans and is typically served as a dip or spread.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, earthy, and garlicky with a hint of basil.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the bigilla with roasted garlic and basil as an appetizer or snack.
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