Egyptian Ful Medames
Ful medames is a hearty Egyptian breakfast dish made from slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with lemon, garlic, and cumin. It has been eaten across Egypt and the Middle East for thousands of years and remains one of the most satisfying morning meals in the region.
A rich and protein-packed Egyptian fava bean stew flavored with garlic, lemon, and cumin.
Nutrition per serving
Ingredients
main
seasoning
cooking
garnish
Instructions
Warm the Beans
Place the cooked fava beans in a medium saucepan over medium heat with a splash of water. Mash roughly half the beans with the back of a spoon directly in the pot to create a creamy yet chunky texture. Stir occasionally and heat through for about five minutes.
Add Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic and ground cumin and cook for two minutes, allowing the garlic to soften and the spices to bloom in the heat. This step builds the foundational flavor of the dish.
Season and Finish
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and two tablespoons of olive oil. Taste and adjust salt and lemon juice as needed. The mixture should be creamy, bright, and aromatic.
Plate and Garnish
Transfer the ful medames to a wide shallow bowl. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top, scatter the chopped parsley, and serve immediately with warm pita bread or crusty bread on the side.
Substitutions
Common mistakes
I made this!
Cooked this recipe? Share your photo and inspire others.