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Ful Medames (Egyptian Fava Beans) Recipe

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4 from 54 reviews

Ful Medames is a traditional Egyptian dish made from cooked and mashed fava beans, seasoned with cumin, paprika, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh vegetables. This hearty and flavorful recipe is quick to prepare using canned beans, making it a perfect nutritious breakfast or light meal. Served warm and garnished with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and parsley, it pairs wonderfully with pita bread.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 Cans Fava Beans (about 3 Cups)
  • 1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 Green Chilli or Jalapeno
  • 2 Cloves Garlic
  • 1 Lemon (for juice)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 Cup Water (plus more as needed)

Vegetable Garnish

  • 1 Tomato, chopped
  • 1 Onion, chopped
  • 1 Cucumber, chopped
  • Handful of Parsley, chopped

Additional

  • Olive Oil for drizzling
  • Pita bread or any flatbread for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beans: Rinse the canned fava beans well under running water and drain thoroughly. In a pan, combine the drained beans with 1/2 cup of water, salt to taste, paprika, and ground cumin.
  2. Cook the Beans: Place the pan over medium heat and cook the mixture for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Mash the Beans: Turn off the heat and gently mash the beans using a potato masher, leaving some beans slightly chunky for texture.
  4. Adjust Consistency: Add additional water as needed to reach your desired consistency, then set the bean mixture aside.
  5. Make the Sauce: Using a mortar and pestle, crush the green chili (jalapeno) and garlic cloves together with a pinch of salt and freshly squeezed lemon juice until well combined. If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, finely mince the garlic and chili, then mix with the lemon juice and salt.
  6. Combine Sauce and Beans: Pour the prepared sauce over the warm mashed beans and mix thoroughly. Add more water if you prefer a thinner texture.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the ful medames to serving bowls. Top with chopped tomato, cucumber, onion, and parsley. Drizzle olive oil over the top. Serve warm alongside pita bread or your favorite flatbread.

Notes

  • The beans should be mashed gently to retain some texture, avoiding a completely smooth puree.
  • Adjust the amount of chili according to your spice tolerance.
  • If using dried fava beans instead of canned, soak overnight and cook thoroughly before proceeding.
  • This dish is traditionally served warm and is a staple breakfast in Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor in the sauce.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/ful-medames-egyptian-fava-beans-recipe/