Foul Meddamas (also known as Ful Medames) is a popular Middle Eastern dish, traditionally made with fava beans. It's a hearty, flavorful dish often eaten for breakfast, but it can be enjoyed at any meal. Here's a simple recipe for you to try:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of dried fava beans, soaked overnight
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Tomato, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Olive oil for drizzling (optional)
- Warm pita bread for serving
Instructions:
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Prepare the Beans:
- Rinse the soaked fava beans and place them in a large pot.
- Cover with water, about an inch above the beans.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the beans are tender (this could take from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the beans). Make sure to skim off any foam and shells that float to the surface.
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Cooking:
- Once the beans are cooked, drain them, reserving some of the cooking liquid.
- In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they are translucent.
- Add the cooked fava beans, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Mash the beans coarsely with the back of a spoon or a potato masher, adding some of the reserved cooking liquid to reach your desired consistency.
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Final Touches:
- Stir in the lemon juice and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Let the mixture heat through.
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Serving:
- Spoon the Foul Meddamas into a serving dish.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, chopped tomatoes (if using), and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Serve warm with warm pita bread on the side.
Foul Meddamas is a highly customizable dish. You can add other ingredients like tahini, chopped green bell peppers, or hard-boiled eggs. It’s a hearty, nutritious meal that is both simple and satisfying. Enjoy your cooking!
