Description
Ful medames is a traditional Middle Eastern dish featuring slow-cooked fava beans simmered with aromatic spices and tomatoes, then mashed to a creamy, chunky texture with tahini and lemon juice. This hearty, flavorful recipe is perfect for breakfast or any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans
- 400g can fava beans (or broad beans)
- Water (to warm beans)
Flavor Base
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 100ml olive oil
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chilli flakes
- 2 tsp sea salt flakes
Tomatoes & Garnish
- 2 large, ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped (or 200g can chopped tomatoes)
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp tahini
Instructions
- Prepare and Warm Beans: Drain the canned fava beans and rinse them under cold water. Fill the empty clean can with water and pour it into a saucepan along with the beans. Bring the mixture to a boil to warm through, then remove from heat.
- Cook Onion and Garlic: Heat all but a few tablespoons of olive oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and crushed garlic. Gently fry for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened and fragrant.
- Add Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in 2 tsp sea salt flakes, ground cumin, and chilli flakes to the onion and garlic mixture. Add the chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned tomatoes if out of season) and cook briefly just to combine the flavors.
- Simmer Beans: Drain the warmed beans, reserving some of the cooking water. Add the beans to the pan with the onion and tomato mixture. Cook over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring often. Add reserved bean liquid if the mixture starts looking dry to maintain a moist consistency.
- Mash and Season: Remove the pan from heat. Using a potato masher, mash the bean mixture until it reaches a chunky, soft purée texture. Stir in the remaining olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and tahini. If the mixture splits or looks oily, add a drop of cold water and mix gently to combine.
Notes
- You can substitute broad beans if fava beans are unavailable.
- Add more chili flakes or lemon juice to taste for extra heat or tang.
- This dish is traditionally served warm with fresh pita bread or as part of a mezze platter.
- Warming the beans before cooking helps retain their shape and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: ful medames, fava beans, tahini, Middle Eastern breakfast, easy bean recipe, traditional Egyptian dish
