Ful medames(فول مدمس) is a fava bean stew popular in Egyptian cuisine. It is a simple dish with ancient origins.

Fava beans, or broad beans, are traditionally cooked in special pot called qudra(قدرة). They can be minimally seasoned and served as is, or they may be mashed with additional ingredients. Sometimes they are partially mashed.

Garlic and onion are normally added but can be omitted. Seasonings such as cumin, coriander, and lemon juice are common but optional additions. Tahini is sometimes added. Tomato and chili are occasionally used as well. Olive oil, tomato, and parsley can be used for garnish.

Mashed ful medames is somewhat similar to hummus, especially if tahini is added.

Ful medames is popular as a breakfast food, often served with baladi bread(عيش بـَلـَدي eish baladi), an Egyptian country bread similar to pita bread.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cup dried fava bean, soaked overnight and drained
• 4 clove garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 onion, chopped (optional)
• ½ – 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp cumin powder (optional)
• 1 tsp coriander seed powder (optional)
• ½ – 1 lemon juice (optional)
• olive oil (optional)
• parsley (optional)

Directions

• boil fava bean, water
• simmer until soft, 2 hours or more
• sauté garlic, onion
• combine fava bean, garlic, onion, salt, cumin, lemon juice
• mash (optional)
• garnish with olive oil, parsley (optional)
• serve