Ful Medames Lebanese Recipe
Ful medames is a popular Lebanese breakfast dish made with fava beans that have been slow-cooked and mashed into a flavorful, rich stew. It is typically served with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a sprinkling of spices such as cumin, paprika, and sumac.
About Ingredients
The ingredients in Lebanese ful medames are simple but flavorful and nutritious.
- Dried fava beans – The main ingredient in ful medames is dried fava beans, also known as broad beans, which are high in protein, fiber, and iron. They have a rich, creamy texture when slow-cooked and mashed.
- Onion and garlic – These aromatic vegetables add depth and flavor to the dish. Onion is sweet and slightly tangy, while garlic adds a pungent, savory note.
- Olive oil – This heart-healthy oil is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and is used in Lebanese ful medames to add richness and depth of flavor.
- Spices – A blend of ground cumin, sweet paprika, ground coriander, and ground cinnamon give the dish its distinctive flavor. These spices are commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine and add warmth and complexity to the dish.
- Lemon – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to the dish, balancing the richness of the fava beans and olive oil.
- Sumac – This tangy, lemony spice is sprinkled over the top of the dish for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Parsley or cilantro – These fresh herbs are used as a garnish and add a pop of green color and fresh flavor to the dish.
Overall, the ingredients in Lebanese ful medames are nutritious and flavorful, showcasing the best of Mediterranean cuisine.
How to Make Ful Medames
Here is a recipe for ful medames that you can easily make at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried fava beans
- 6 cups water
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish
- Sumac, for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Rinse the fava beans and soak them overnight in a large bowl filled with enough water to cover them.
- Drain the soaked fava beans and rinse them again.
- In a large pot, combine the fava beans and 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, for about 2 hours, or until the beans are very tender and falling apart.
- While the fava beans are cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cumin, paprika, coriander, and cinnamon to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for another 2 minutes, until the spices are fragrant.
- Add the onion and spice mixture to the pot with the cooked fava beans. Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash the beans until they are mostly broken down but still chunky.
- Season the ful medames with salt and black pepper to taste.
- To serve, ladle the hot ful medames into bowls and drizzle with extra olive oil. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with sumac and chopped parsley or cilantro.
Enjoy your delicious Lebanese ful medames for breakfast or any time of day!
Ful Medames Lebanese Recipe
Description
Ful medames is a popular Lebanese breakfast dish made with fava beans that have been slow-cooked and mashed into a flavorful, rich stew.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Rinse the fava beans and soak them overnight in a large bowl filled with enough water to cover them.
-
Drain the soaked fava beans and rinse them again.
-
In a large pot, combine the fava beans and 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, for about 2 hours, or until the beans are very tender and falling apart.
-
While the fava beans are cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
-
Add the cumin, paprika, coriander, and cinnamon to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for another 2 minutes, until the spices are fragrant.
-
Add the onion and spice mixture to the pot with the cooked fava beans. Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash the beans until they are mostly broken down but still chunky.
-
Season the ful medames with salt and black pepper to taste.
-
To serve, ladle the hot ful medames into bowls and drizzle with extra olive oil. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with sumac and chopped parsley or cilantro.