Indulge in the rich flavors of Egypt with this classic Ful Medames, a hearty and wholesome fava bean dip that’s perfect for any occasion. Slow-cooked until tender and creamy, the fava beans are blended with aromatic garlic, zesty lemon juice, and a medley of warm spices like cumin and coriander. The result is a velvety smooth dip that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for spreading on warm pita bread or dipping with crunchy vegetables. Whether enjoyed as a satisfying snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, Ful Medames is sure to transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Cairo and leave you craving more.
Egyptian Ful Medames (Fava Bean Dip)
Ingredients
Instructions
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Rinse the dried fava beans and place them in a large bowl. Cover with water and let soak overnight.
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Drain the soaked fava beans and transfer them to a large pot. Add 4 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat.
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Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the fava beans are tender.
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Drain the cooked fava beans, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. Transfer the beans to a food processor.
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Add the minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper to the food processor.
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Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, adding the reserved cooking liquid as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
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Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
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Transfer the ful medames to a serving bowl and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.
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Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, chopped tomatoes, and sliced green onions.
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Serve the ful medames with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 180kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 5g8%
- Sodium 300mg13%
- Total Carbohydrate 28g10%
- Dietary Fiber 9g36%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 9g18%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
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Soaking the Fava Beans: Be sure to soak the dried fava beans overnight to soften them before cooking. This helps reduce the cooking time and ensures a creamy texture.
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Cooking the Fava Beans: Simmer the soaked fava beans until they are tender. Cooking time may vary depending on the freshness and size of the beans, so be sure to check for doneness periodically.
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Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning of the ful medames to suit your taste preferences. Add more lemon juice for extra acidity, or increase the amount of spices for a bolder flavor.
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Consistency: Use the reserved cooking liquid to achieve the desired consistency. Add it gradually while blending until you reach the perfect creamy texture.
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Garnishes: Get creative with your garnishes! Chopped fresh parsley, tomatoes, and green onions add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. You can also top the ful medames with a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve the ful medames with warm pita bread, toasted crackers, or a platter of fresh vegetables for dipping. It also makes a delicious spread for sandwiches or wraps.
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Make Ahead: Ful medames can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving, adding a splash of water or olive oil to revive the creamy texture if needed.
