Ful medames
Egyptian Ful Medames is a traditional dish that has been passed down through generations. This dish is simple, yet packed with flavor and has become a staple in Egyptian cuisine. It is a popular breakfast dish that is enjoyed by many Egyptians and can be found at nearly every street stall, café or restaurant.
The origin of Ful Medames is uncertain, however, it is believed to have originated in Egypt during the time of the Pharaohs. It is now enjoyed throughout the Middle East and North Africa, with variations and tweaks to the recipe.
Ful Medames is made using fava beans (also known as broad beans) that have been boiled and mashed with a variety of herbs and spices. The dish is usually served with eggs, tomato, onion, and flatbread. Some Egyptian households may also add fried or grilled eggplant, tahini sauce, and Egyptian dukkah (a blend of spices, nuts, and herbs).
The dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. Fava beans are a great source of protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber. The combination of herbs and spices used in the recipe not only adds flavor but also medicinal properties, making this dish not only tasty but also good for your health.
Ful Medames is a versatile dish and can be adapted to suit individual taste preferences. Some prefer it sour with the addition of lemon juice, while others prefer it spicier with the addition of chili peppers. Some households may also add cumin or coriander powder to the dish.
Preparing Ful Medames at home is easy and doesn’t require any special skills. All you need are a few ingredients and a bit of patience as the beans need to be cooked for several hours. It is recommended to soak the beans overnight, which will reduce the cooking time and improve the overall texture of the beans.
To make the dish, the soaked beans are boiled in water with cloves of garlic until they are soft and tender. Once cooked, the garlic is mashed with the beans using a pestle and mortar until a smooth consistency is achieved. Some Egyptian households may also use a food processor or blender to achieve the desired consistency.
The mashed beans are then flavored with a variety of herbs and spices such as cumin, salt, pepper and chopped parsley. The final touch is usually the addition of some olive oil, which adds to the smooth and silky texture of the dish.
Ful Medames is a dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is also a dish that can be shared with friends and family, making it a great dish for social gatherings and special events.
In conclusion, Egyptian Ful Medames is a popular and delicious dish that has been enjoyed by people for centuries. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that is easy to make and is good for your health. If you’re looking for a new and exciting breakfast or brunch recipe to try, then give Ful Medames a try, and you won’t be disappointed.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of dry fava beans
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Chopped parsley, for serving
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced radish, chopped scallions, yogurt, hard-boiled eggs
Instructions:
- Rinse and soak the fava beans in plenty of water overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
- Drain the beans, rinse them again, and place them in a large saucepan. Add enough water to cover the beans by about 2 inches.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, and let the beans simmer for about 2-3 hours, or until they are very soft and tender.
- Drain the beans, reserving some of the cooking liquid if needed. Mash the beans with a potato masher or fork, or use an immersion blender.
- In a separate pan, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until tender and fragrant.
- Add the onion and garlic to the mashed beans, along with cumin, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix everything together until well combined.
- If the mixture seems too thick, add some of the reserved cooking liquid or more olive oil to thin it out and adjust the consistency to your liking.
- Serve the ful medames hot or warm, garnished with chopped parsley and any additional toppings of your choice. Enjoy with pita bread or crusty bread.