Jordanian Ful Medames
A hearty and flavorful fava bean stew, Ful Medames is a staple in Jordanian cuisine, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a light meal. It's typically seasoned with cumin, garlic, lemon, and olive oil, and can be customized with various toppings.

🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) Canned fava beans(drained and rinsed)
- 3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil(plus more for drizzling)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped(for garnish)
- 0.5 cup Tomatoes, diced(for garnish (optional))
- 0.25 cup Red onion, finely diced(for garnish (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 2
Add the drained and rinsed fava beans, cumin, and salt to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
- 3
Add about 1/4 cup of water to the saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to soften slightly.
- 4
Using a fork or potato masher, gently mash about half of the beans to create a slightly chunky consistency. Be careful not to over-mash.
- 5
Stir in the lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 6
Transfer the Ful Medames to a serving bowl. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, diced tomatoes, and red onion, if using. Serve hot with pita bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- ✓You can also add a tablespoon of tahini for a creamier texture.
- ✓Serve with a variety of accompaniments like pickles, olives, and fresh vegetables.
🔄 Variations
- Add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas along with the fava beans for a mixed bean stew.
- Incorporate finely chopped cilantro along with the parsley.
- Top with a fried egg for a more substantial meal.