How to Make the Perfect Ful Medames
Egyptian · Easy · 40 min · 4 servings
Ful medames is a centuries-old Egyptian breakfast staple made from slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with lemon, garlic, and olive oil. It is nourishing, deeply flavorful, and traditionally served with warm flatbread and fresh vegetables.
Why this recipe works
This Ful Medames recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 310 calories with 16g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cans fava beans drained and rinsed
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons fresh flat leaf parsley chopped
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Warm the Fava Beans
Place drained fava beans in a saucepan over medium heat with a splash of water. Mash about half the beans with the back of a spoon to create a creamy texture while leaving some whole for body.
Step 2: Season the Beans
Stir in minced garlic, ground cumin, lemon juice, and a generous pinch of salt. Simmer for 10 minutes allowing the flavors to meld together and the mixture to thicken slightly.
Step 3: Finish with Oil and Herbs
Remove from heat and drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil. Stir gently and taste for seasoning adjusting lemon or salt as needed.
Step 4: Serve
Transfer to shallow bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, a pinch of chili flakes, and an extra drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately alongside warm pita bread, sliced tomatoes, and hard boiled eggs.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- canned fava beans → dried fava beans soaked overnight and boiled
- flat leaf parsley → fresh cilantro
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not mashing any beans which results in a watery rather than creamy consistency
- Using bottled lemon juice instead of fresh which dulls the bright flavor
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 310 calories, 16g protein, 42g carbs, 9g fat, 14g fiber.
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