How to Make Ful Medames (Egyptian Fava Beans) | Easy Traditional Recipe

fava beans

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Lentils are lower in calories and canned beans are more affordable.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil offers health benefits while vegetable oil is often less expensive.

fresh tomatoes

🥗Healthier: canned tomatoes

💰Cheaper: tomato paste

Canned tomatoes are convenient and tomato paste is cost-effective.

garlic

🥗Healthier: garlic powder

💰Cheaper: onion powder

Garlic powder is easier to store, and onion powder can be a budget-friendly alternative.

Dice a white onion, slicing it horizontally and then making vertical cuts to create small pieces, measuring out about half a cup for the recipe.

Dice one tomato into small cubes and set aside.

Smash two fresh garlic cloves with the side of a knife to make peeling easier, then peel and finely mince them.

Dice some fresh cilantro for garnishing the dish later.

Open a can of fava beans, pour them into a strainer, and wash them to remove the canning liquid.

Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Add about half a cup of diced onion to the skillet and sauté until fragrant and translucent.

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about one minute.

Add the diced tomato to the skillet, stirring everything together and cooking until the tomato begins to soften.

Carefully add the fava beans to the skillet and cover them with 1 cup of boiling water.

Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of paprika, stirring to combine.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the mixture for tanginess and simmer until the water is mostly absorbed.

Smash the beans with an immersion blender or potato masher for a smoother consistency.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary