Recipe adapted from Robin Robertson’s Fresh from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker.

Sumac grows in abundance throughout the Mediterranean, and its dried, ground berries are a fruity and astringent spice widely used in Middle Eastern cooking. If you can’t find sumac, substitute 1/4 teaspoon grated lemon rind. You may need to add up to a tablespoon of water if the mixture is too thick to process smoothly. Serve with pita wedges or sliced veggies.

Fava Beans give this delicious soup its unique character, but kidney beans, great northern beans, or chickpeas would also complement its rich, warm seasonings. Serve as part of a North African or Middle Eastern dinner, or simply combine with a salad for a quick, satisfying meal.

Easy to assemble, this layered casserole is a great dish to take to potlucks. People won’t believe how rich it tastes!