Bagila Bil Dihin – A Beloved Breakfast Tradition

 There's something special about the breakfast Bagila Bil Dihin, a dish that brings families together around the table. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal made with broad beans, fried eggs, and soaked bread that creates the perfect start to any day. Whenever we visit my mother-in-law, this dish is always a highlight of our family gatherings. Her version of Bagila Bil Dihin has become a favorite,  and I’m excited to share this simple yet delicious recipe with you.

This is a classic vegetarian Iraqi breakfast and consists of cut-up chunks of bread soaked in broad beans, and the broth from the beans. It is topped with a fried egg. The combination of soft bread, tender broad beans, and the richness of a fried egg on top makes it both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients:

2 cups dried broad beans (or canned, for convenience)

1 tsp baking soda (if using dried beans)

1 tsp salt

4 large eggs

4-6 pieces of Iraqi bread (or any flatbread)

2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)

1 tsp cumin powder and 2 cloves of minced garlic

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

1 lemon, cut into wedges

Salt and pepper to taste

Method: 

1. If using dried broad beans, soak them overnight in water with baking soda. The next day, drain and rinse the beans. In a large pot, cover the beans with water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the beans simmer for about 45 minutes or until tender.

2. If using canned broad beans, simply heat them in a pot with a little water and a pinch of salt.

3. Cut the bread into large chunks and set it aside. Traditionally, Iraqi samoon or tanoor bread is used, but any flatbread will work. The bread chunks should be bite-sized but large enough to hold up when soaked in the broth.

4. This step can be skipped: In a small pan, heat olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cumin powder, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour this mixture into the pot with the beans and stir well.

5. In a separate frying pan, fry the eggs to your liking. Traditionally, the eggs are cooked sunny-side up, with a runny yolk that blends beautifully with the rest of the dish.

6. To serve, spoon the bread and beans into bowls, making sure to include some of the flavorful broth. Place a fried egg on top of each portion, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish.

Optional Additions:

For an extra touch of flavor, you can drizzle a bit of olive oil or a sprinkle of paprika over the top. Some families also enjoy adding a spoonful of yogurt or labneh on the side for creaminess.

A Breakfast Rich in Tradition

Bagila Bil Dihin is more than just a meal – it’s a reminder of togetherness, comfort, and tradition. Whether enjoyed during a family gathering or as a simple breakfast at home, this dish brings amazing  flavors to the table. It's incredibly satisfying, packed with protein, and the perfect balance of soft bread, rich beans, and the warmth of a fried egg.

For those who love plant-based dishes, this recipe is typically vegetarian, making it ideal for both meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.

Enjoy!