Ful Medames Recipe

Introduction

Ful Medames is a beloved Middle Eastern dish featuring warm, seasoned fava beans and chickpeas. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal often enjoyed for breakfast or as a satisfying snack. This simple yet delicious recipe brings bright herbs and tangy lemon juice together for a comforting classic.

Ingredients

• 1 can red or brown fava beans (14 fl oz / 398 ml)
• 1 can chickpeas (14 fl oz / 398 ml)
• ½ tsp ground cumin (adjust to taste)
• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 medium tomato, finely diced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1-2 hot peppers, minced (optional)
• 1 garlic clove, minced (optional, use as much as you like)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• More olive oil and lemon juice to garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small pot over medium heat, combine the fava beans and chickpeas with their liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes until the beans are fork tender. Season with ground cumin, salt, and pepper to taste.
2. Step 2: Mash about half of the beans using a fork or potato masher. Aim for a chunky texture and add a little water if needed to keep the mixture slightly runny.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the diced tomato, chopped parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, and optional minced hot peppers and garlic. Season lightly with salt.
4. Step 4: Stir half of the dressing into the mashed beans and warm everything through. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mashed beans to a serving bowl. Spoon the remaining dressing on top, drizzle with extra olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve warm with pita bread and fresh vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoother texture, mash more of the beans or blend briefly. To keep it traditional, leave some beans whole for extra bite.
• Adjust spices by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne for extra heat and flavor.
• Include minced garlic and hot peppers according to your taste preferences.
• Serve with warm pita, sliced cucumbers, and tomatoes for an authentic experience.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to maintain creaminess. Ful Medames is best enjoyed warm but can also be served at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried fava beans instead of canned?

Yes, but dried fava beans need to be soaked overnight and cooked for a longer time until tender before using. Canned beans are convenient and much quicker.

Is Ful Medames suitable for a vegan diet?

Absolutely. This dish contains no animal products and is a great source of plant-based protein and fiber.

Ful Medames Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 104 reviews

Ful Medames is a traditional Middle Eastern dish featuring slow-simmered red fava beans and chickpeas mashed to a chunky consistency and mixed with fresh tomato, parsley, olive oil, and lemon juice. This hearty and flavorful recipe is perfect for breakfast or any meal, served best with pita and fresh vegetables.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beans

• 1 can Red or brown fava beans (14 fl oz / 398 ml)
• 1 can Chickpeas (14 fl oz / 398 ml)
• ½ tsp Ground cumin (adjust to taste)
• Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)

Dressing

• 1 Medium tomato (finely diced)
• ¼ cup Fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1–2 Hot peppers (minced, optional)
• 1 Garlic clove (minced, optional)
• 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp Lemon juice

Garnish

• More olive oil
• More lemon juice

Instructions

1. Boil: In a small pot over medium heat, combine the canned red fava beans and chickpeas along with their liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cook for 5-8 minutes until the beans are tender and heated through. Season the mixture with ground cumin, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
2. Mash: Using a fork or potato masher, mash approximately half of the beans in the pot. Aim for a chunky texture rather than a smooth puree. If the mixture feels too thick, add a small amount of water to maintain a slightly runny consistency that is typical for Ful Medames.
3. Make dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the finely diced tomato, chopped parsley, minced hot peppers (if using), minced garlic (if using), extra virgin olive oil, and lemon juice. Season lightly with salt to enhance the flavors.
4. Mix in: Stir half of the prepared dressing into the mashed bean mixture. Heat everything through gently to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or cumin if needed.
5. Dress: Transfer the mashed beans to a serving bowl. Top with the remaining dressing for a fresh contrast. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil and a good squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish. Serve warm accompanied by pita bread and fresh vegetables.

Notes

• For a creamier texture, mash more beans or add additional olive oil.
• The hot peppers and garlic are optional but add authentic flavor and a little heat.
• Traditional Ful Medames is served warm and eaten with pita bread for dipping.
• You can adjust the amount of lemon juice to suit your preferred tartness.
• This dish is naturally vegan and vegetarian-friendly.

Keywords: Ful Medames, fava beans, chickpeas, Middle Eastern recipe, vegan breakfast, healthy beans dish, easy stovetop recipe