Ful Medames (Fava Beans) is a staple in Middle Eastern and East African cuisine. Having grown up in Sudan, Ful was a common breakfast item for my family.
What makes this dish truly special is its versatility—you can enjoy it not only for breakfast but also for lunch or dinner.
Every time I prepare this dish now, it’s like a nostalgic journey back to my childhood. I fondly remember my mother crafting delicious ful medames sandwiches for our school lunches, adding a touch of home and tradition to our meals.
What is Ful Medames?
Ful Medames is a traditional dish originating from Middle Eastern and East African cuisine. It is a popular and nutritious dish made primarily from fava beans.
The pronunciation of Ful may vary across regions; for example, Egyptians, Sudanese, and Lebanese might pronounce it differently. Common variations in pronunciation include “Foul Medames,” “Foul Mudammas,” “Egyptian Foul,” “Lebanese Ful,” and “Sudanese Foul.”
Even though people say it in different ways, the thing that stays the same in these cooking styles is that they all use fava beans as the main ingredient.
What makes this dish special in each country is the different herbs and spices they use to make it taste just right.
These little changes in the seasoning make the dish have lots of different flavours. People in the Middle East and East Africa enjoy Ful for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
It’s a tasty example of how different cultures can be creative with their food.”
How To Make Ful (Fava Beans)?
To make Ful, start by soaking dried fava beans overnight. Then, cook the beans until they’re soft.
In a big bowl, mix the cooked beans with chopped tomatoes, falafels, boiled eggs, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped spinach.
Gently stir everything together. Sprinkle some salt pepper, and cumin for taste and drizzle lemon juice over it.
Finish by pouring olive oil on top. Mix it all up once more.
Serve your delicious Ful with falafels on the side and enjoy it with pita or Turkish bread.
Sudanese Ful Medames
Description
Savour the heartwarming flavours of Ful Medames, a cherished dish rooted in Middle Eastern and East African traditions.
This simple yet satisfying recipe combines tender fava beans with a medley of vibrant ingredients, including juicy tomatoes, boiled eggs, crumbled feta cheese, fresh spinach, and the aromatic touch of cumin.
Seasoned with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, and zesty lemon juice, this wholesome dish is elevated by a drizzle of olive oil.
Perfectly versatile, Ful Medames can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, providing a delightful journey through the rich tapestry of regional cuisines.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Soak and Cook the Fava Beans:
- Soak the fava beans overnight.
- Cook the soaked fava beans until soft. You can use a pressure cooker or a regular pot.
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Prepare the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked fava beans, chopped tomatoes, sliced boiled eggs, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped spinach.
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Mix and Season:
- Gently mix all the ingredients in the bowl.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle lemon juice over the mixture.
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Serve:
- Drizzle olive oil over the ful mixture.
- Serve the ful medames with falafels on the side.
- Accompany with pita bread or Turkish bread.