Ful Medames
South Sudan Style
Ful Medames is a hearty and flavorful fava bean stew, considered a staple and sometimes the national dish of Sudan and South Sudan. This vegetarian dish is typically served for breakfast but can be enjoyed any time of day. It's prepared by slow-cooking fava beans until tender and then seasoned with a variety of toppings.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Dried fava beans(soaked overnight)
- Water(for cooking beans)
- 2 teaspoons Salt(or to taste)
- 2 teaspoons Cumin(or to taste)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 1 medium Red onion(diced)
- 100 g Feta cheese(crumbled)
- 1 cup Arugula (rocket leaves)(chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Sesame oil(for drizzling)
- 4 large Boiled eggs(optional, sliced)
- Parsley(fresh, chopped for garnish (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Soak the dried fava beans in plenty of water for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse.
- 2
Place the soaked fava beans in a large pot and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are very soft and easily mashed. Add more water if needed during cooking.
- 3
Drain the beans, reserving some of the cooking liquid (broth). Place the cooked beans in a large bowl.
- 4
Mash the beans lightly with a potato masher or the back of a sturdy spoon. Add a splash of the reserved cooking liquid to help with mashing and achieve a creamy consistency.
- 5
Stir in the salt and cumin. Mix well.
- 6
Transfer the mashed beans to a serving bowl. Top generously with diced tomatoes, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped arugula.
- 7
Drizzle with sesame oil. Garnish with fresh parsley and sliced boiled eggs, if using.
- 8
Serve immediately with warm flatbread (like pita or Sudanese kisra).
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the fava beans are cooked until very tender for the best texture.
- ✓The reserved cooking liquid is important for achieving a creamy consistency.
- ✓Don't skip the sesame oil drizzle; it adds a distinct flavor.
- ✓Ful Medames is very versatile; feel free to adjust the toppings to your liking.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some variations include other beans like chickpeas or black-eyed peas.
- A hot sauce called 'shata' can be added for a spicy kick.
- Lemon juice can be added for a touch of acidity.