Authentic Egyptian Foul Medames
Foul Medames, a beloved staple of Egyptian cuisine, is not only a hearty and satisfying breakfast but also a cultural symbol of family and togetherness. Traditionally slow-cooked with dried fava beans, this simplified version using canned beans preserves the essence of the dish while significantly reducing preparation time. Serve this flavor-packed dish warm with drizzles of olive oil and fresh garnishes for a delightful morning treat that captures the rich culinary heritage of Egypt. Perfect for any meal of the day, it’s deliciously nutritious and easy to customize with your favorite toppings!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fava beans
1 (16-ounce) can (Drained and rinsed)
Lemon
1 small (Juiced)
Canola oil
3 tablespoons (For sautéing and drizzling)
Cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Onion
1 small (Chopped (optional))
Pita bread
as needed (To serve)
Red onion
a few slices (Finely chopped (for garnish, optional))
Green bell pepper
1 small or half (Finely chopped (for garnish, optional))
Black olives
a handful (Finely chopped (for garnish, optional))
Tomato
1 small (Finely chopped (for garnish, optional))
Parsley
a small handful (Chopped (for garnish, optional))
Tahini
for drizzling (To serve (optional))
Instructions
1
If using, chop the small onion and sauté it in a small pot with canola oil over medium heat until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
2
Open the can of fava beans and pour it into the pot with the sautéed onions, including all the liquid; do not drain.
3
Using a potato masher, gently mash the fava beans until they are mostly smashed, leaving some whole for texture.
4
Stir in salt, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper to taste, adjusting the spices to your preference.
5
Squeeze the juice of the lemon into the pot, and add a splash of olive oil for richness.
6
Heat the mixture over medium heat just until it begins to boil, then reduce to low and keep warm.
7
Spoon the fava bean mixture into a flat bowl. Drizzle additional olive oil on top for flavor.
8
For added garnish, arrange the finely chopped red onion, green bell pepper, black olives, tomato, and parsley around the edge of the bowl.
9
Finish with a generous drizzle of tahini in the center and serve with warm pita bread on the side. Enjoy by mixing all together or savoring each component separately!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Foul Medames?
Foul Medames is a beloved staple of Egyptian cuisine and a hearty, satisfying breakfast that serves as a cultural symbol of family and togetherness.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 4 servings.
Is this Foul Medames recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegan.
Can I use canned beans for this recipe?
Yes, this version uses canned fava beans to significantly reduce preparation time while preserving the essence of the dish.
What is the primary ingredient?
The main ingredient is one 16-ounce can of fava beans.
Should I drain the canned fava beans?
No, do not drain the beans; pour them into the pot including all the liquid.
What spices are used to season the dish?
The dish is seasoned with salt, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper to taste.
What type of oil is used for sautéing the onion?
Canola oil is used for sautéing the optional onion.
How long should the onion be sautéed?
The onion should be sautéed for about 3-4 minutes until tender.
Is the onion mandatory in this recipe?
No, the small onion is listed as an optional ingredient.
What is the desired texture for the fava beans?
The beans should be gently mashed until mostly smashed, leaving some whole for texture.
How is lemon used in this recipe?
The juice of one small lemon is squeezed into the pot for flavor.
What is traditionally served with Foul Medames?
It is traditionally served with warm pita bread on the side.
Is tahini used in this recipe?
Yes, you can finish the dish with a generous drizzle of tahini in the center before serving.
Is Foul Medames a healthy dish?
Yes, the recipe is described as deliciously nutritious and is tagged as healthy.
What garnishes are recommended for this dish?
Recommended garnishes include finely chopped red onion, green bell pepper, black olives, tomato, and parsley.
How is olive oil used in the recipe?
Olive oil is added to the pot for richness and drizzled on top for extra flavor.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, the heat can be adjusted to your preference by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
What tool is best for mashing the beans?
A potato masher is used to gently mash the fava beans.
How should the bean mixture be heated?
Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to boil, then reduce to low to keep it warm.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a Breakfast dish.
Does this dish have cultural significance?
Yes, it is a traditional Egyptian dish and a cultural symbol of togetherness.
Can this recipe be eaten at other times besides breakfast?
Yes, it is described as perfect for any meal of the day.
What type of bell pepper is suggested for garnish?
One small or half of a green bell pepper, finely chopped, is suggested.
How much cumin is typically added?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, adjusted to taste.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of salt, adjusted to your preference.
Are olives included in the recipe?
Yes, a handful of finely chopped black olives can be used as an optional garnish.
How much cayenne pepper is recommended?
The recipe recommends 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, adjusted to taste.
What kind of onion is used for garnish?
Finely chopped red onion is recommended as an optional garnish.
Is fresh parsley used in this recipe?
Yes, a small handful of chopped parsley is suggested as a garnish.