Tamiya

Story behind the dish

Tamiya is a beloved staple from the Levantine region, especially popular in Lebanon and Syria. Imagine rustic street markets bustling with vendors offering these golden, crispy treats—perfectly seasoned bean patties that are as flavorful as they are nostalgic. These aromatic bites evoke memories of family gatherings and lively meze tables, where sharing small plates brings people closer together. Their humble ingredients transform into a delightful culinary experience through simple techniques that celebrate freshness and flavor.

Ingredients

• 3 cups dried broad beans (about 12 oz / 340 g)
• 6 spring onions, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley (about 1 oz / 28 g)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Flour, as needed for coating
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Step-by-step

1. Soak the broad beans in water to cover, then leave them overnight. Drain well.
2. If using skinless beans, rub the beans between your hands to loosen and discard the skins. Pat the beans dry with a towel.
3. Grind the beans using a food mill or meat grinder until they form a coarse paste. If using a food processor, pulse just until a paste forms—be careful not to process too smoothly, or the patties may fall apart during cooking.
4. Transfer the bean paste to a mixing bowl and stir in the chopped spring onions, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, baking powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Shape the chilled mixture into 1-inch (about 2.5 cm) balls. Gently flatten each ball and coat them lightly with flour.
6. Pour at least 1½ inches (about 4 cm) of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or frying pan. Heat over medium heat until it reaches 365°F (about 185°C).
7. Fry the patties in batches, turning once, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides—about 5 minutes each batch. Remove them with a slotted spoon or wire mesh skimmer and drain on paper towels.
8. Serve hot as part of a meze platter or inside warm pita bread topped with tomato-cucumber salad and a drizzle of tahini sauce.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• For extra flavor, serve Tamiya with a side of tangy pickles and fresh herbs.
• They’re perfect enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon or a side of creamy tahini for dipping—consistently bringing a burst of zest to each bite!

Closing thoughts

Making Tamiya from scratch is a rewarding experience that connects you to centuries of culinary tradition. These crispy bean patties are more than just a snack—they’re a celebration of humble ingredients elevated through tradition, skill, and love. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, part of a festive meze, or a joyful street food moment, Tamiya invites you to savor the warmth and richness of Middle Eastern flavors in every bite.