World Flavors Cookbook

Ful Medames

Egypt's ancient national breakfast — slow-cooked fava beans mashed with garlic, lemon, cumin, and drizzled with olive oil and tahini.

Cuisine: Egypt

Ingredients

• 500g dried fava beans, soaked overnight
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper
• Tahini, chopped parsley, pickled turnips for serving
• Pita bread

Instructions

1. Drain beans and cover with fresh water. Bring to boil, then simmer 6-8 hours (or use slow cooker overnight).
2. Drain most liquid, leaving beans moist. Mash roughly.
3. Mix in garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Serve in bowls, drizzled generously with olive oil and tahini.
5. Accompany with warm pita, pickled vegetables, and hard-boiled eggs.