Classic Ful Medames - Hearty Egyptian Fava Beans
Ful Medames, a staple dish of Egyptian cuisine, is a delightful and nutritious breakfast traditionally enjoyed across the country. This dish boasts a rich history that dates back to ancient Egypt, making it not only a culinary delight but also a connection to the past. Typically served with a perfectly fried egg and warm pita bread, the fava beans are infused with the flavors of garlic, lemon, and cumin, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. The bread serves as a scoop, allowing you to enjoy every delicious bite. Join the countless others who savor Ful Medames each morning, and experience the vibrant culture of Egypt through this simple yet fulfilling dish.
6
Servings
138
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried fava beans or broad beans
1 1/2 lbs (soaked overnight and drained)
Garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Olive oil
1/4 cup (extra virgin recommended)
Cumin
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Instructions
1
Soak the dried fava beans or broad beans overnight in plenty of water.
2
The next day, drain the soaked beans and place them in a large saucepan.
3
Cover the beans with fresh water, ensuring they are submerged by at least 2 inches.
4
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are tender and easily mashed.
5
Once the beans are cooked, drain them and transfer them to a medium bowl.
6
Add the crushed garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and cumin to the bowl with the beans.
7
You can either mash the beans with a fork or potato masher until creamy, or gently mix them as whole beans, depending on your preference.
8
For a traditional touch, serve the Ful Medames hot, topped with a fried egg and accompanied by warm pita bread for dipping.
Nutrition Information
3
Fat
23
Carbs
6
Protein
5
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Ful Medames?
Ful Medames is a staple dish of Egyptian cuisine, consisting of fava beans cooked with garlic, lemon, and cumin, traditionally served for breakfast.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are dried fava beans, garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, and ground cumin.
How should the fava beans be prepared before cooking?
The dried fava beans or broad beans should be soaked overnight in plenty of water and then drained.
How long do the beans need to simmer?
The beans should simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are tender and easily mashed.
What is the historical significance of Ful Medames?
Ful Medames boasts a rich history that dates back to ancient Egypt, serving as a culinary connection to the country's past.
How is Ful Medames traditionally served?
It is traditionally served hot, often topped with a fried egg and accompanied by warm pita bread for dipping.
What texture should the beans have after cooking?
Depending on preference, the beans can either be mashed with a fork until creamy or left whole.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is tagged as vegetarian.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of Ful Medames?
There are 138 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 6 grams of protein.
How much fiber is in this dish?
There are 5 grams of fiber per serving.
What type of oil is recommended for this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of olive oil.
What spices are used to flavor the beans?
The beans are flavored with ground cumin and crushed garlic.
Can I use broad beans instead of fava beans?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either dried fava beans or broad beans.
How much fava beans do I need for this recipe?
You will need 1 1/2 lbs of dried fava beans.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 3 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving has 23 grams of carbohydrates.
How much lemon juice is added to the beans?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How many garlic cloves are used?
Two crushed garlic cloves are used in this recipe.
Do I need to boil the beans?
Yes, you bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat before reducing to a simmer.
How much water should cover the beans during cooking?
The beans should be submerged by at least 2 inches of fresh water.
Is Ful Medames considered a healthy meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, high-protein, and Mediterranean dish.
What is the purpose of the pita bread in this meal?
The pita bread serves as a scoop to enjoy the beans and a medium for dipping.
When should the garlic and lemon be added?
They should be added to the medium bowl after the cooked beans have been drained.
How much cumin is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The recipe data indicates there is no sugar content listed.
Is this dish traditionally eaten for breakfast?
Yes, Ful Medames is a delightful and nutritious breakfast traditionally enjoyed across Egypt.
Can I mash the beans with a potato masher?
Yes, you can use a fork or a potato masher to reach a creamy consistency.