Weekends are sacred, especially when it comes to breakfast. For me, it’s never just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavours, textures, and the stories that come with them. So when my colleague, Mohammed Al-Samarrae, mentioned a dish called fool, I was instantly intrigued. Little did I know, this weekend breakfast would serve up not only a plateful of deliciousness but also a generous helping of laughter.

What’s in a Name?

With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, Mohammed promised to treat me to a “fool breakfast.” Now, being called a fool isn’t something I’d usually take lightly, but when food is involved, I’m always game. The next morning, he called early, brimming with excitement, to make sure I was ready for our culinary escapade.

It turned out, fool had nothing to do with being silly. In Arabic, fool simply means broad beans, and they happen to be the star of a much-loved breakfast in northern Iraq. The dish of the day? Bagila bil dihin—broad beans gently simmered in oil, paired with freshly baked tanoor flatbread, and crowned with a golden, fluffy omelette.

A Bean with a History

Before we even dug in, Mohammed added his own side dish of trivia, sprinkling humour onto our breakfast table. Did you know that beans have been both celebrated and frowned upon through history? Praised for their nutrition, yet also accused of, well… stirring things up. St. Jerome even advised nuns to stay away from beans, warning of their “stimulating effects.” Scandalous breakfast gossip, indeed!

A Breakfast to Remember

When the food arrived, all jokes were forgotten as the aroma filled the air. One bite of the bagila bil dihin was enough to understand why this dish has such a following. The beans, tender and earthy, blended beautifully with the crisp-yet-pillowy tanoor bread. The omelette added richness and comfort, transforming the meal into something hearty, wholesome, and truly satisfying.

Every bite felt like a warm hug—the kind of comfort only simple, home-style cooking can bring. And beyond taste, this dish is a powerhouse of nutrients—packed with fibre, iron, and the kind of goodness that fuels both body and soul.

Embracing the “Fool” in Life

As we finished our breakfast, I couldn’t help but smile at Mohammed’s choice. This wasn’t just food—it was culture, history, and laughter served on a plate.

Sometimes, life’s little misadventures—like being teased about a “fool breakfast”—lead to the best memories. So here’s to broad beans, hearty mornings, and the joy of discovering dishes that surprise and delight.

If you ever find yourself in Iraq—or anywhere offering bagila bil dihin—don’t hesitate to try it. Who knows? You might just find yourself happily embracing the “fool” in you, one bite at a time.

Cheers to breakfast adventures and culinary discoveries! What’s your favourite unexpected breakfast dish? Share your stories in the comments—I’d love to hear them. 😊