Ful Medames Recipe

Ful Medames is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with fava beans and chickpeas, seasoned with cumin, garlic, and lemon juice. This healthy, protein-packed recipe is perfect for a nutritious breakfast or light meal. The dish is easy to prepare and full of flavor, making it a great option for anyone looking to try a vegetarian or vegan recipe. With the addition of a flavorful olive oil-based sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, Ful Medames is a versatile and customizable dish. Serve with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or your favorite sides for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 (14 oz) cans fava beans
• 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Sauce for Topping

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ½ cup chopped parsley
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tablespoon chopped jalapeños
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Drain and rinse the fava beans and chickpeas in cold water using a colander.
2. Transfer the beans to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1½ cups cold water, cumin, and kosher salt.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Smash the beans with the back of a wooden spoon until you achieve your desired consistency.
4. While the beans are simmering, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, crushed garlic, chopped jalapeños, salt, and pepper.
5. Once the beans are done cooking, serve the sauce on top of the ful medames or stir half of the sauce into the beans and reserve the other half for serving on the side.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve alongside warm pita, tomatoes, and radishes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ful Medames is a flavorful and nutritious Middle Eastern dish that’s easy to make, packed with protein from fava beans and chickpeas, and bursting with the tangy freshness of lemon and herbs. It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and can be served as a light meal or as part of a larger spread.

Tips

• For an extra smooth texture, you can mash the beans more thoroughly or even blend the mixture slightly.
• Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less jalapeños according to your preference.
• This dish is traditionally served with warm pita, but you can also pair it with flatbread or crackers.

Variations and Substitutions

• If you don’t have fava beans, you can substitute them with other beans like cannellini or kidney beans.
• Swap parsley with cilantro for a different herb flavor.
• For a richer sauce, add a dollop of tahini or Greek yogurt on top.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, Ful Medames can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat and add the sauce before serving.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, Ful Medames is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ful Medames with warm pita, chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and a side of radishes for a fresh and balanced meal. For added richness, top with a drizzle of tahini or a dollop of yogurt.