World Flavors Cookbook

Foul Medames

Egypt's 5,000-year-old breakfast — fava beans slow-cooked until creamy, seasoned with olive oil, cumin, and lemon, served with boiled eggs and baladi bread.

Cuisine: Egypt

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried fava beans (small Egyptian variety)
• 1/4 cup red lentils (for color and creaminess)
• Water, 1 lemon, 1 tomato
• Seasoning: cumin, salt, garlic, plenty of extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

1. Soak beans overnight. Cook in a heavy pot (idra) with lentils and a whole lemon for several hours until very soft.
2. Mash some of the beans to create a thick sauce.
3. Season with salt, cumin, crushed garlic, and a generous pour of olive oil.
4. Serve with baladi flatbread, sliced onions, and pickles.