Mazona - Iconic Egyptian Street Food Made from Fava Beans

What is Mazona?

Mazona is a popular Egyptian street food made from mashed fava beans. It is a staple food and street food in Egypt, considered part of the country's cultural heritage. Mazona is made from dried fava beans that are boiled until soft, then mashed into a thick paste. The paste is seasoned with salt, pepper, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic to create its distinctive creamy and tangy flavor. It is served warm, often topped with olive oil and parsley or chili peppers for extra flavor. Mazona is incredibly versatile - it can be eaten as a dip, spread, or even formed into patties and fried as falafel. Here is an overview of mazona, its history, how it's made, and why it remains an iconic Egyptian food today.

The History of Mazona in Egyptian Cuisine

Fava beans have been cultivated in Egypt since ancient times and mazona has origins dating back to Pharaonic Egypt. Hieroglyphics and ancient texts show that mashed fava beans were a common food source for both rich and poor Egyptians. As a crop that could be grown locally, fava beans were an inexpensive and accessible source of protein for people. Over the centuries, mazona grew into a well-loved staple food across all levels of Egyptian society.

The name mazona comes from the Coptic word for fava bean. It has always been associated with Egyptian identity and is even mentioned in songs and folklore. Eating mazona is considered a cherished ritual - it is made fresh daily and served warm, usually for breakfast to begin the day. As a vegetarian dish and meat substitute, it continues to be popular for Coptic Christians during Lent. Today, mazona is beloved across Egypt both as everyday street food and as a special dish for celebrations.

How Mazona is Made

Making authentic mazona involves a simple process, but each step is important for achieving its characteristic smooth, savory flavor.

It starts by taking dried fava beans and soaking them overnight until softened. The rehydrated beans are boiled until extremely tender. Some variations add baking soda to the boiling water which helps further soften the beans. The boiled beans are then drained well and mashed, traditionally in a stone mortar and pestle or food mill. Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt are added to taste during mashing which forms a thick, smooth paste.

The seasoned mazona paste can be eaten as is, or fried into falafel patties. It is usually served warm and garnished with olive oil, chopped parsley or scallions, and chili peppers or cumin. The paste is so versatile it can also be used as a hearty dip, spread on bread, or mixed into stews and vegetables dishes.

Why Mazona is an Iconic Egyptian Street Food

Mazona holds a special place in Egyptian food culture for several reasons:

As a fava bean dip, it is high in protein and fiber, making it nutritious as well as delicious. Fava beans are also easy to cultivate in Egypt's hot climate, so mazona is affordable for all Egyptians.

It has a creamy, comforting texture contrasted by tangy and aromatic flavors. The garlic, lemon, and spices make mazona incredibly savory and craveable.

The dish is customizable based on individual tastes - some add more heat with chili peppers while others prefer extra garlic or herbs. It can also be paired with various breads, vegetables or eggs.

Preparing and eating mazona is a cultural tradition shared across generations. The ritual of mashing the beans by hand and serving it fresh represents Egyptian hospitality and family bonding.

Mazona is convenient as a hand-held street food. Vendors selling mazona topped with oil, spices, and parsley can be found on many Cairo street corners, markets, and carts.

Both as a dish and cultural icon, mazona is quintessentially Egyptian. Its versatility and appeal make it one of the most popular street foods today.

Where to Find the Best Mazona in Egypt

From bustling cities to small villages, mazona can be found all over Egypt. Here are some top spots to try authentic, delicious mazona:

Cairo

As Egypt's sprawling capital, Cairo is home to endless street food stalls and restaurants serving top-notch mazona. Historic eateries like El Ezba, Abou Tarek, and El-Amir make legendary plates of mazona paired with eggs or falafel. There are also classic street carts in neighborhoods like Sayeda Zeinab and Downtown.

Alexandria

Egypt's second largest city, Alexandria, has its own mazona traditions. Look for carts selling it alongside other Egyptian street foods like foul medammes. Restaurants like Abu Ashraf serve mazona combined with unique local ingredients like Alexandrian fish roe salad.

Port Said

This coastal Egyptian city is famous for its seafood, but its mazona stands out too. Locals recommend the mazona from popular spots like El-Shatby and Sabry Abu Ali, often served in pitas or with fried eggplant.

Suez

The Suez Canal city has delicious mazona thanks to its local fava bean farms. The beans from Suez have a delicate flavor that makes for tender mazona. Try it at local eateries and food stalls around town, like those near the famous Suez Market.

Upper Egypt

Cities like Asyut and Minya along the Nile are known for their vibrant street food culture. Here you'll find mazona mixed with spices like cumin and Yemeni chili powder for added heat and complexity of flavor.

No matter where you sample it, authentic mazona captures the comforting, quintessential flavors of Egypt.

How to Make Mazona at Home

Making delicious mazona is easy to do in your own kitchen with these simple steps:

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried fava beans
• Water for soaking
• 6 cups water for boiling
• 1 tsp baking soda (optional)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• Chopped parsley, chili powder, or olive oil for serving

Steps

1. Rinse the dried fava beans then place in a bowl and cover with water. Soak overnight.
2. Drain the beans from the soaking liquid. Transfer to a pot and add 6 cups fresh water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours until extremely tender.
3. For a creamier texture, add 1 tsp baking soda to the boiling water.
4. Once cooked through, drain the beans well then transfer to a food processor. Puree into a smooth paste, adding cooking liquid as needed.
5. Add the garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin and salt. Blend well until fully incorporated.
6. Transfer the mazona paste to a bowl. Serve warm garnished with parsley, chili powder or a drizzle of olive oil.
7. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Making your own mazona is fun and simple with these steps. Feel free to customize it to your tastes by adding more garlic, different spices, or toppings. Serve it as a dip, spread, or patty for an authentic Egyptian street food experience at home.

Common Questions about Mazona

Is mazona gluten free?

Yes, mazona is naturally gluten free. Since it is made from fava beans which do not contain gluten, it can be enjoyed by those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Is mazona vegan?

Traditional recipes for mazona are vegan as they contain no animal products - only fava beans, oil, spices and herbs. Some modern versions may add yogurt or cheese, but plain mazona is vegan.

Can you freeze mazona?

Yes, mazona freezes well for long term storage. To freeze, allow it to cool completely then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator before using.

What protein does mazona have?

Mazona is a good source of plant-based protein thanks to its main ingredient - fava beans. A 1/2 cup serving of mazona provides around 5-7 grams of protein.

Is mazona spicy?

Plain mazona has a savory, creamy base flavor. Many versions add chili powder or hot sauce to give it some heat. How spicy it ultimately is depends on personal preference and any spicy toppings added.

FAQs

What are some ways to serve mazona?

Mazona is very versatile and can be served in many ways: as a dip with bread or vegetables, spread on sandwiches or wraps, formed into falafel patties, mixed into stews or rice, topped on eggs, stuffed in pitas, and more.

What kind of bread pairs well with mazona?

Since mazona has a creamy, tangy flavor, it pairs nicely with bread that has complementary flavors and textures. Some examples are pita bread, ka'ak (Egyptian sesame rings), baladi bread, and ajwa (multi-grain flatbread).

Is mazona suitable for babies and toddlers?

Yes, mazona can be a healthy first food for babies 6 months and up. The soft bean texture and light flavor is easy for babies to eat. Of course, consult a pediatrician before introducing any new foods.

What is the shelf life of freshly made mazona?

Freshly made mazona will keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. For longer shelf life, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

What drinks pair well with mazona?

Popular Egyptian drinks like ayran (salty yogurt), tamr hindi (tamarind juice), and shahi haleeb (sweetened milk) all pair deliciously with the tangy flavor of mazona. Herbal teas also complement it nicely.