Ful Medames(v) Recipe
Crushed beans sauteed with our spices and garnished with fresh diced onions, tomatoes, and pepper. Served with french bread.
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Ingredients
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Ful Medames Base
Garnish & Finish
Method
Ful Medames Base
Prepare dried fava beans (if using)
If using dried fava beans, sort and rinse 2 cups of beans. Soak overnight in enough water to cover (at least 4–6 hours). Drain, place in a large pot, add fresh water to cover by 2–3 cm and bring to a simmer. Cook gently 60–90 minutes until very tender and falling apart. If using canned cooked fava beans, skip to Step 3.
If using canned beans: drain and rinse 2 cups cooked fava beans. Reserve a little of the liquid.
Add the cooked fava beans to the skillet with 2–4 tablespoons of cooking liquid or water (or 2–3 tablespoons reserved from the can). Reduce heat to medium-low and begin to gently mash the beans with a potato masher or back of a spoon until you reach a coarse, slightly creamy texture—some whole pieces should remain. This should take 2–4 minutes.
Stir in 1.5 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook, stirring, for 2–3 minutes to bloom the spices and warm the mixture through. If mixture seems dry, add 1–2 tablespoons water or olive oil to loosen to a scoopable but moist consistency.
Remove from heat and stir in 3 tablespoons lemon juice and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, lemon) as needed.
Garnish & Finish
While the beans are finishing, combine 1/2 cup finely diced red onion, 1/2 cup seeded diced tomato, optional finely diced jalapeño, and 1/4 cup chopped parsley or cilantro in a small bowl. Toss with a pinch of salt and about 1 teaspoon lemon juice to brighten.
Transfer the warm ful medames to a shallow serving bowl. Make a slight well in the center and drizzle 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil over the top.
Top with the onion–tomato–herb mixture, distributing evenly. Drizzle remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil around and finish with an extra pinch of smoked paprika or cumin if desired.