Ful Medames Dish of Egypt-Mediterranean Cuisine

A Traditional Dish of Egypt

Ful Medames is a traditional dish of Egypt that is enjoyed by many locals and tourists alike. The dish is made from fava beans, which are cooked slowly in a large pot with spices and other ingredients. It is typically served hot, with bread, salad, and other accompaniments.

Making the Ful Medames Dish

To make Ful Medames, you first need to soak the fava beans overnight to soften them. The next day, you cook the beans in a large pot with water, garlic, cumin, and other spices until they are soft and tender. Some recipes also call for the addition of tomatoes, onions, and lemon juice to add extra flavour.

Once the beans are cooked, they are typically mashed slightly with a fork or spoon to create a thick, creamy texture. The dish is then seasoned with salt and pepper to taste, as well as any additional spices or herbs that you prefer. Some people like to add a dollop of tahini or olive oil on top for extra richness and flavour.

Served for Breakfast or Lunch

Ful Medames is typically served for breakfast or lunch, and is often accompanied by bread such as pita or baladi bread. It is also commonly served with a side of salad, such as a tomato and cucumber salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. Other popular accompaniments include boiled eggs, pickles, and hot sauce.

A Filling and Nutritious Dish

One of the great things about Ful Medames is that it is both filling and nutritious. Fava beans are a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, making this dish a healthy choice that will keep you full and satisfied for hours. It is also a great vegetarian option, as it is free from meat and animal products.

A Delicious and Satisfying Dish

In conclusion, Ful Medames is a delicious and satisfying dish that is a staple of Egyptian cuisine. It is easy to make, nutritious, and can be enjoyed at any time of day. If you are looking to try something new and flavourful, give Ful Medames a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Ingredients:

400g can fava beans (available online) or broad beans 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 100ml olive oil 2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp chilli flakes 2 large, ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped (or 200g can of chopped tomatoes, if tomatoes aren’t in season) ½ lemon, juiced

2 tbsp tahini

Method:

Drain the beans and rinse. Fill the empty, clean can with water and pour into a saucepan with the beans. Bring them to the boil to warm through, then take them off the heat.
Meanwhile, in a separate medium frying pan, gently fry the onion and garlic in all but a few tablespoons of the olive oil for 5 mins, then add 2 tsp sea salt flakes, the cumin, chilli flakes and tomatoes. Drain the beans, reserving some of the cooking liquid. Add to the onion mixture and cook over a low heat for 30 mins, stirring often and adding some of the cooking liquid if it looks dry.
Using a potato masher, mash the beans with the remaining olive oil, lemon juice and tahini. The final consistency should be a chunky, soft purée. If it splits slightly, mix in a drop of cold water.
Serve the ful medames hot with a drizzle of olive oil, diced tomatoes, chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of cumin on top. You can also serve it with pita bread or Egyptian baladi bread. Enjoy your delicious Egyptian breakfast!