Ful Medames
Ful Medames is a hearty and flavorful Egyptian breakfast staple made from slow-cooked fava beans, mashed with aromatic garlic, bright lemon juice, and rich olive oil. This ancient dish is both deeply satisfying and essential to Egyptian cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Dried fava beans
- enough to cover Water
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 60 ml Fresh lemon juice
- 60 ml Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- to taste Salt
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley
- optional Hard-boiled eggs
- for serving Pita bread
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the dried fava beans thoroughly under cold running water. Place them in a large bowl and cover with plenty of fresh water (at least 3-4 inches above the beans, as they will expand). Let them soak for at least 12 hours or overnight. After soaking, drain and rinse the beans again.
⏱️ 12 hours - 2
Transfer the soaked and rinsed fava beans to a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Add enough fresh cold water to cover the beans by about 2 inches. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting. The beans should barely simmer, with only a few gentle bubbles rising to the surface. Cover the pot tightly.
⏱️ 6-8 hours - 3
Cook the fava beans, maintaining a very gentle simmer, until they are completely tender and easily mashable. Check periodically and add more hot water if the beans are not fully submerged. The cooking time will vary depending on the age and type of beans, but aim for 6 to 8 hours. The beans should be soft enough to break apart with a spoon.
⏱️ 6-8 hours - 4
Once the beans are tender, drain off most of the cooking liquid, reserving about 1 cup. Using a potato masher or the back of a sturdy spoon, partially mash the beans directly in the pot. Aim for a rustic texture, leaving some beans whole or only slightly broken. You want a consistency that is thick but still has some body.
- 5
Stir in the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and ground cumin. Add salt to taste. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little of the reserved cooking liquid until you reach your desired consistency. Gently heat the mixture for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 5-10 minutes - 6
Serve the Ful Medames hot. Ladle into individual bowls. Drizzle generously with extra olive oil, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve with sliced hard-boiled eggs (if using) and warm pita bread on the side for scooping.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an authentic, slow-cooked flavor, consider using a traditional clay pot or a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution.
- ✓The key to great Ful Medames is the texture. Avoid over-mashing; aim for a chunky consistency that still has some whole beans for interest.
- ✓Ful Medames is best served warm. Garnish generously with fresh herbs and a good drizzle of olive oil for maximum flavor.
- ✓The soaking process is crucial for both softening the beans and aiding digestion.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon or two of tahini to the mashed beans in Step 5 for a creamier, richer flavor.
- For a fresher take, stir in finely diced fresh tomatoes and red onion just before serving.
- A pinch of chili flakes can add a subtle warmth.
- Some recipes include a bay leaf during the simmering process.