Ful Medames Egyptian Fava Beans Recipe

Experience the taste of ancient Egypt with this authentic Ful Medames recipe! A beloved Egyptian breakfast dish, this creamy fava bean stew is incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Traditionally served with a fried egg and pita bread (used as a delicious scoop!), this recipe will transport your taste buds to the heart of Cairo. Learn how to make this simple yet iconic dish, perfect for a weekend brunch or a quick weeknight meal. Overnight soaking is required for optimal results (soaking time not included in cook time).

Prep Time 60 mins
Cook Time 60 mins
Calories 704 kcal
Protein 89g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Ful Medames Egyptian Fava Beans 45

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Ful Medames Egyptian Fava Beans

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Ful Medames Egyptian Fava Beans? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Ful Medames Egyptian Fava Beans

  1. Soak 1 cup of dried fava beans in 8 cups of water overnight (at least 8 hours).
  2. Drain the soaked beans and rinse thoroughly.
  3. Place the rinsed beans in a large pot and cover with 6 cups of fresh water.
  4. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the beans are very tender. Add more water if needed to prevent sticking.
  5. Once tender, drain the beans, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.
  6. Transfer the beans to a medium bowl.
  7. Add 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional), 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, and salt to taste. (Adjust spices to your preference)
  8. Mash the beans partially or completely to your desired consistency using a potato masher or fork. If not fully mashing, gently mix the ingredients together.
  9. Stir in a little of the reserved cooking liquid if needed to reach desired consistency.
  10. Serve hot, topped with a fried egg and pita bread. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

0 g

Sugar

39g

Fat

11g

Carbs

33g

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion Healthy Breakfast Beans Asian Middle Eastern Easy Beginner Cook Diabetic Holiday Event Vegan Vegetarian Dietary Spicy Low Sodium Low Cholesterol High Fiber High Protein Inexpensive Healthy 2 High In Something Low In Something Brunch Taste Mood Number Of Servings