Cuisine: Ful Medames - how to prepare this Sudanese dish

 

Ful medames (often spelled "foul medames") is a traditional Egyptian and Middle Eastern dish made with fava beans. It’s often eaten for breakfast and is both simple and hearty. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare it:

Ingredients:

- 2 cups dried fava beans (or 2 cans of cooked fava beans)

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- Salt to taste

- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

- Tomatoes, chopped, for garnish

- Onions, finely chopped, for garnish

- Green chilies, chopped, for garnish (optional)

- Hard-boiled eggs, for serving (optional)

- Pita bread, for serving

 Instructions:

#### If Using Dried Fava Beans:

1. **Soak the Beans:**

   - Place the dried fava beans in a large bowl and cover them with plenty of water.

   - Soak the beans overnight (at least 8 hours). This will soften the beans and make them easier to cook.

2. **Cook the Beans:**

   - Drain and rinse the soaked beans.

   - Place the beans in a large pot and cover with fresh water.

   - Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beans are tender. You may need to add more water as they cook.

   - Once cooked, drain the beans and reserve some of the cooking liquid.

#### If Using Canned Fava Beans:

1. **Prepare the Beans:**

   - Drain and rinse the canned fava beans.

### Cooking the Ful Medames:

1. **Mash the Beans:**

   - In a large skillet or saucepan, add the cooked or canned fava beans.

   - Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to lightly mash the beans. You want a mix of mashed and whole beans for texture.

   - If the beans seem too dry, add a bit of the reserved cooking liquid or water to reach your desired consistency.

2. **Flavor the Beans:**

   - Add the minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, and salt to the beans.

   - Stir everything together over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld. Cook for about 5-10 minutes.

3. **Garnish and Serve:**

   - Transfer the ful medames to a serving dish.

   - Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, tomatoes, onions, and green chilies, if using.

   - Drizzle a bit more olive oil on top and add a sprinkle of cumin, if desired.

   - Serve with warm pita bread and hard-boiled eggs on the side, if you like.

### Tips:

- Ful medames can be customized with additional toppings like feta cheese, tahini, or a sprinkle of sumac.

- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a chopped green chili or a dash of hot sauce.

- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for different occasions.

Enjoy your flavorful Ful Medames!