Cuisine: Ful Medames - How to prepare this North African item

 

Ful Medames (also known as Foul Mudammas) is a traditional Egyptian dish made primarily from fava beans. It’s widely popular across the Middle East, especially in countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, but its roots are deeply embedded in Egypt’s culinary culture. Known as a hearty and nutritious dish, it has long been a staple, particularly for breakfast, providing a rich source of protein and fiber.

How Ful Medames is Prepared:

1. Ingredients:

1 cup of dried fava beans (or canned fava beans for convenience)

2-3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 tablespoon of lemon juice

2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings: chopped parsley, diced tomatoes, onions, boiled eggs, cumin, tahini, chili, or paprika

2. Soaking the Beans:

If using dried fava beans, they need to be soaked overnight in water to soften. Rinse them thoroughly and ensure they are covered with enough water.

Canned beans do not require soaking but should be rinsed before use.

3. Cooking the Beans:

After soaking, drain the beans and place them in a large pot. Cover the beans with fresh water, ensuring there is enough to allow them to cook without drying out.

Bring the beans to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer. Cook the beans for 1-2 hours until they are tender, occasionally skimming any foam that forms on the surface.

You can add a pinch of salt after the beans have cooked for an hour to enhance the flavor, but adding salt too early may toughen the beans.

4. Mashing the Beans:

Once the beans are cooked and soft, they can be slightly mashed. Some people prefer leaving them mostly whole for texture, while others mash them to create a smoother, creamier consistency.

In a pan, lightly sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant but not browned. Add the cooked beans to the garlic, and stir gently to coat them with the oil and garlic.

5. Seasoning and Flavoring:

Stir in lemon juice, and season with salt, pepper, and cumin. Taste and adjust seasonings according to your preference.

At this stage, you can add a variety of toppings to enhance the dish. Popular additions include diced tomatoes, chopped parsley, onions, or even a drizzle of tahini for a richer flavor.

6. Serving:

Ful Medames is traditionally served warm, accompanied by pita bread. It can be garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, chopped parsley, chili powder, or boiled eggs. It is often enjoyed alongside fresh vegetables such as cucumbers and tomatoes, making it a wholesome and filling meal.