🇪🇬 Egypt · Food
Ful Medames
By eatmundo · August 4, 2026
🇪🇬 EGAI-generated imageA staple Egyptian breakfast, Ful Medames consists of slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with cumin, garlic, lemon, and olive oil. It is a nutritious, hearty dish often eaten with warm baladi bread.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
If using dried beans, soak 500g of fava beans overnight and simmer until tender, or use canned fava beans for convenience.
- 2
In a bowl, finely chop 1 large onion and 30g of fresh parsley, and crush the 3 garlic cloves.
- 3
Drain the cooked fava beans slightly, keeping some cooking liquid for moisture.
- 4
In a pan, heat 30ml of olive oil and lightly sauté the onion and garlic until soft, about 3 minutes.
- 5
Add the beans to the pan along with the 10g of cumin and 5g of salt.
- 6
Use a potato masher to partially crush some of the beans, creating a thick, rustic texture.
- 7
Stir in the 30ml of lemon juice and the remaining 20ml of olive oil.
- 8
Top with the fresh parsley and serve hot with warm pita bread or fresh vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ful Medames?+
Ful Medames is a traditional Egyptian dish consisting primarily of stewed fava beans seasoned with garlic, cumin, and olive oil. It is typically served as a staple breakfast food, often garnished with fresh parsley, onions, and lemon juice.
How do I avoid a bland taste?+
The key is generous cumin and fresh lemon juice; adjust the seasoning until it pops.
What if the beans are too dry?+
Add a tablespoon or two of water or cooking liquid to reach your desired consistency.
Can I use other beans?+
While fava beans are traditional, kidney beans or pinto beans are often used as quick substitutes in modern versions.
Is it strictly a breakfast dish?+
Traditionally yes, but its high protein content makes it an excellent and healthy meal any time of the day.
🇪🇬 EGAI-generated image
