Whenever I think of hearty comfort food, Ful Medames pops into my mind. It’s like that old sweater you can’t get rid of—cozy, warm, and somehow always just right. Whether it’s a busy weekday morning or a lazy Sunday brunch, this dish, with its rich history and robust flavors, never fails to evoke a sense of home.
Steps
- Drain the canned fava beans and place them in a saucepan with ½ cup of water, then heat over medium-high. Season with kosher salt and ground cumin, then mash the beans using a potato masher or the back of a fork until they are soft but still somewhat chunky.
- Crush the garlic and green chili peppers using a mortar and pestle, then add lemon juice and stir to create the sauce. Pour this spicy lemon-garlic sauce over the mashed fava beans and mix well.
- Drizzle the dish generously with extra virgin olive oil and mix. Garnish the foul mudammas with chopped parsley, diced tomatoes, and additional slices of hot peppers if desired.
- Serve the foul mudammas with warm pita bread, and optionally, add sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, green onions, and olives on the side. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or as part of a larger Middle Eastern feast.
Ingredients
- 2 cans of plain fava beans (13 to 15 ounces each)
- ½ cup water
- Kosher salt
- ½ to 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 to 2 hot peppers, chopped (such as jalapenos)
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- Extra virgin olive oil, preferably Early Harvest
- 1 cup chopped parsley
- 1 tomato, diced
- Warm pita bread
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Green onions
- Olives
FAQ
- What is foul mudammas?
- Foul mudammas is a classic Middle Eastern dish made from stewed fava beans, typically flavored with ground cumin and finished with extra virgin olive oil. It’s often served with warm pita bread and can be garnished with lemon juice, fresh vegetables, and herbs.
- What are fava beans and where can I find them?
- Fava beans, also known as broad beans, are an ancient legume known for their creamy, buttery texture and nutty flavor. They can be found fresh, canned, or dried. Canned fava beans are usually located near other canned beans or in the international section of grocery stores.
- How do you prepare foul mudammas using canned fava beans?
- To make foul mudammas with canned fava beans, start by heating and mashing the beans. Mix in a spicy lemon-garlic sauce, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and top with fresh parsley and tomatoes. Serve with warm pita bread.
- Can I make foul mudammas from dry fava beans?
- Yes, you can make foul mudammas from dry fava beans by soaking them overnight, cooking them until tender, and following the same steps as with canned beans. This traditional method involves a bit more preparation time.
- How should I store leftovers of foul mudammas?
- Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two days. If the fava beans are plain and unseasoned, they may last a little longer. Always ensure they are cooled completely before refrigerating.
Tips
- To enhance the flavor of your ful mudammas, use a generous amount of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. This will not only add a rich taste but also give the dish a smooth, velvety texture.
- If you’re using dry fava beans, remember to soak them overnight to ensure they cook evenly and become tender. This step will also help reduce cooking time the next day.
- To achieve a balanced flavor in the lemon garlic sauce, remember that the lemon juice will mellow the heat from the chili peppers, so don’t be afraid to add them for a little extra kick without overpowering the dish.
- For a vibrant presentation and extra freshness, top your ful mudammas with freshly chopped parsley and diced tomatoes right before serving. This will add color and a burst of flavor to the dish.
Equipment
- Mortar and Pestle – For smashing garlic and chili peppers.
- Potato Masher – For mashing the fava beans.
- Cast Iron Skillet or Deep Saucepan – For heating and preparing the fava beans.
