Maqloubeh b’Foul – A Spring Dish Rooted in Palestinian Tradition

In Palestine, the arrival of spring isn’t just something you feel in the air—it’s something you taste.

One of our favorite signs of the season is the market stalls overflowing with fresh baladi fava beans (we call them foul, said fool). These tender heirloom beans are tiny bursts of flavor, picked at their freshest, and absolutely packed with plant-based protein. Whether tossed in olive oil with lemon and garlic, or simmered into a warm stew, foul always brings a deep connection to the land.

This month, we’re sharing one of our favorite springtime comfort dishes: Maqloubeh b’Foul, inspired by a beautiful recipe from our friend at Almond and Fig.

Maqloubeh—literally “upside down”—is a layered rice dish traditionally made with vegetables and meat, flipped dramatically onto a platter when served. But in this spring version, we give the spotlight to foul, letting this humble bean transform the whole dish into something both nourishing and beautiful. It’s fragrant, filling, and full of flavor—and yes, it’s easily made vegan if you’d like to skip the meat. Check out the recipe and instructions in the link above.

Spice it Right

If you received our spring subscription box, you’ll recognize a familiar scent—fresh Palestinian allspice. It’s the backbone of so many Palestinian dishes, and this maqloubeh is no exception. Earthy, warm, and a little peppery, allspice ties all the flavors together and brings a taste of tradition to your kitchen.

Cook with the Land in Mind

Cooking seasonal dishes like this is one small way we stay rooted in the land—honoring local ingredients, heritage farming, and age-old methods passed down through generations. Just like the heirloom beans in this recipe, every part of our food culture tells a story of resilience, care, and community.

Looking for the perfect pantry essentials to bring this dish to life? Don’t forget to check out our organic cold-pressed olive oil and spice blends, hand-packed by local women’s cooperatives and full of flavor from the hills of Palestine.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or making a quiet dinner at home, Maqloubeh b’Foul is a dish that brings spring—and Palestine—right to your table.

With love and from our kitchen to yours,
The Handmade Palestine Team