Foul Mdammas
Lebanese Stewed Fava Beans
A classic Lebanese breakfast dish, Foul Mdammas features tender, slow-cooked fava beans simmered with garlic, lemon, and warming cumin. It's a hearty and satisfying start to the day, often served with fresh vegetables and a drizzle of olive oil.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Dried fava beans
- 3-4 cloves Garlic
- 60 ml Fresh lemon juice
- 60 ml Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- as needed Water
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the dried fava beans thoroughly and pick through them to remove any debris or discolored beans. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with plenty of cold water (at least 3-4 inches above the beans). Let them soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse the soaked beans.
⏱️ 8+ hours (soaking) - 2
Transfer the drained fava beans to a large pot. Cover the beans with fresh water, ensuring they are submerged by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are very tender and easily mashed with a fork. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during the initial cooking. Add more hot water during cooking if the beans become dry.
⏱️ 1.5 - 2 hours - 3
Once the beans are tender, drain most of the cooking liquid, reserving about 1/2 cup. In the pot with the beans, gently mash about one-third to one-half of the beans using a potato masher or the back of a spoon. This will create a creamier texture while leaving some beans whole for visual appeal and bite.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, and the reserved cooking liquid. Add the fresh lemon juice and half of the olive oil. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 5
Continue to simmer the mixture gently, uncovered, for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. The consistency should be like a thick stew. Adjust seasoning if needed.
⏱️ 5 - 10 minutes - 6
Serve the Foul Mdammas hot. Ladle into shallow bowls and drizzle generously with the remaining extra virgin olive oil. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a quicker cooking time, you can use canned fava beans (about 2 cans, drained and rinsed), but the texture will be softer and less traditional.
- ✓Serve with warm pita bread, fresh chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and a side of pickles for a complete Lebanese breakfast experience.
- ✓A pinch of chili flakes can be added for a touch of heat.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon of tahini along with the lemon juice and cumin for a richer, nuttier flavor.
- Incorporate cooked chickpeas (about 1/2 cup) along with the fava beans for added texture and protein.