Sudanese Ful Medames with Fava Beans and Herbs
A hearty and flavorful breakfast or light meal, this Sudanese take on Ful Medames features slow-cooked fava beans mashed with a generous amount of fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, and a touch of chili. It's a staple in Sudanese cuisine, known for its vibrant green color and refreshing taste.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Dried fava beans(soaked overnight)
- enough to cover Water
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 cup Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 1 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped)
- 0.5 cup Fresh mint(chopped)
- 3 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 small Green chili(finely chopped (optional))
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- to taste Salt
- for drizzling Olive oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Drain the soaked fava beans and rinse them thoroughly.
💡 Tip: Ensure beans are well-rinsed after soaking. - 2
Place the fava beans in a large pot and cover with fresh water, ensuring they are submerged by at least 2 inches.
💡 Tip: Use a large pot as the beans will expand. - 3
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans are very tender and easily mashable.
💡 Tip: Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during the initial boiling. - 4
Once tender, drain most of the cooking water, reserving about 1/2 cup. Mash the beans with a potato masher or the back of a spoon until you reach your desired consistency. Some texture is good.
💡 Tip: Don't over-mash; a slightly chunky texture is traditional. - 5
Stir in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, cilantro, mint, lemon juice, and chopped green chili (if using).
💡 Tip: The fresh herbs are key to the Sudanese flavor profile. - 6
Add cumin powder and salt to taste. Mix well. If the mixture is too dry, add a little of the reserved cooking water to loosen it up.
💡 Tip: Start with less salt and adjust as needed. - 7
Serve warm, drizzled generously with olive oil. It is traditionally eaten with Sudanese flatbread (kisra or gurasa), or with crusty bread.
💡 Tip: A common accompaniment is a side of chopped tomatoes and onions.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking the fava beans overnight is crucial for reducing cooking time and improving digestibility.
- ✓For a smoother consistency, you can blend some of the beans after mashing.
- ✓The amount of herbs can be adjusted to personal preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add a hard-boiled egg on top for a more complete meal.
- Incorporate a pinch of fenugreek powder for a distinct aroma.
- Serve with a dollop of tahini for added richness.