Ful bit-Tewm (Broad Beans with Garlic)

A simple Maltese broad bean dish with garlic, olive oil, lemon, and parsley. Rustic, fresh, and full of spring flavour.

Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 15 minutes Servings: 4 people

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Ingredients

  • 600g fresh broad beans, podded
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, sliced
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Small handful fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch chilli flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the beans: Boil the broad beans in salted water for 5-8 minutes until tender. Drain well.
  2. Soften the garlic: Heat the olive oil in a pan over low heat. Add the garlic and cook gently until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Toss: Add the broad beans, lemon juice, parsley, salt, pepper, and chilli flakes if using. Toss for 2-3 minutes until glossy and warm.
  4. Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature with extra olive oil if desired.

Ful bit-Tewm is a simple Maltese broad bean dish with garlic, olive oil, lemon, and parsley. It is especially good in spring when broad beans are fresh and sweet.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve as a side dish with fish or meat
  • Eat with crusty Maltese bread
  • Add to a meze-style spread
  • Serve warm or at room temperature

Traditional Notes & Tips

  • Young broad beans can be eaten with their skins
  • Older beans may be nicer peeled after boiling
  • Do not brown the garlic or it may taste bitter
  • Lemon keeps the flavour bright
  • This dish is best when broad beans are in season