Ful Medames

Ful Medames – hearty Sudanese fava bean dish
Sudan
⏱ — min. Serves: —

Ful Medames is a beloved Sudanese breakfast dish made from fava beans, often enjoyed with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh vegetables. Rich in protein and flavor, it holds cultural significance as a staple food for many Sudanese families, typically served during breakfast or special occasions.

⚡ Easy 🔥 ~320 kcal / serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups dried fava beans, soaked overnight
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2-3 tablespoons tahini (optional)
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tomato, diced (optional)
  • Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)

Instructions

Cook the Fava Beans

Drain the soaked fava beans and rinse them well.

In a large pot, add the fava beans and enough water to cover them by about 2 inches.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.

Prepare the Aromatics

In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Season the Beans

Once the beans are tender, drain any excess water, leaving just a little bit of cooking liquid to keep the beans moist.

Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the beans.

Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper.

Use a masher or the back of a spoon to slightly mash some of the beans, leaving most of them whole.

Add Flavorings

Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley.

If using, mix in the tahini for extra creaminess.

Serve

Transfer the ful medames to a serving dish.

Top with chopped hard-boiled eggs and diced tomato, if desired.

Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil.

Enjoy your meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ful Medames?

Ful Medames is a traditional Sudanese dish made primarily from cooked fava beans, often seasoned with spices and served warm.

Where does Ful Medames come from?

Ful Medames has deep roots in Sudanese cuisine and is commonly enjoyed throughout the Middle East.

What are the main ingredients in Ful Medames?

The key ingredients include dried fava beans, onion, garlic, vegetable oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper.

How long does Ful Medames take to make?

It takes approximately 100-135 minutes to prepare Ful Medames from start to finish.

What do you serve with Ful Medames?

Ful Medames is often served with fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers, and it pairs well with pita bread or hard-boiled eggs.