Ful Medames: Vegetarian Fava Bean Stew Recipe

Introduction

Ful Medames is a comforting and hearty vegetarian stew made from fava beans, flavored with garlic, cumin, and fresh herbs. This simple Middle Eastern dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and pairs beautifully with warm pita bread.

Ingredients

• 1 16 oz can fava beans
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons garlic
• 2 whole green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup water (more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Optional toppings:
• Drizzle of olive oil
• Pita bread
• Extra lemon juice
• Chopped parsley or cilantro

Instructions

1. Step 1: Drain the can of fava beans and rinse them well under cold water.
2. Step 2: In a pot over medium heat, add the olive oil, garlic, and green onions. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
3. Step 3: Add the rinsed fava beans, water, cumin, paprika, salt, and dried parsley to the pot. Stir to combine.
4. Step 4: Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the fava beans soften.
5. Step 5: Mash about half of the beans with a potato masher or fork, leaving some beans whole for texture.
6. Step 6: If the stew becomes too thick or water evaporates, add more water to reach your desired consistency.
7. Step 7: Stir in the chopped cilantro and lemon juice, mixing well.
8. Step 8: Transfer the stew to a serving dish, drizzle with extra olive oil, and serve with warm pita bread or your preferred toppings.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika.
• Use fresh fava beans if available, but increase cooking time until tender.
• Add chopped tomatoes or a dollop of yogurt on top for a fresh twist.
• Serve with a side of chopped vegetables or pickles for added texture and flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the stew.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried fava beans instead of canned?

Yes, but dried fava beans will require soaking overnight and a longer cooking time until tender. Canned beans are a convenient shortcut for this recipe.

Is Ful Medames gluten-free?

Yes, the stew itself is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any accompaniments like pita bread are gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

Ful Medames: Vegetarian Fava Bean Stew Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 121 reviews

Ful Medames is a classic Middle Eastern vegetarian fava bean stew that is hearty, flavorful, and simple to prepare. Made with canned fava beans simmered with garlic, spices, and fresh herbs, this dish offers a comforting and nutritious meal often enjoyed for breakfast or any time of day. The combination of cumin, paprika, and lemon juice creates a balanced and aromatic flavor profile that perfectly complements the creamy texture of the beans.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 16 oz can fava beans
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 2 whole green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup water (more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Optional Toppings

• Drizzle of olive oil
• Pita bread
• Extra lemon juice
• Chopped parsley or cilantro

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beans: Drain the can of fava beans and rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt and canning liquid.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil and add the minced garlic and thinly sliced green onions. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed fava beans to the pot along with 1/2 cup of water, cumin, paprika, salt, and dried parsley. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Simmer Beans: Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, just until the fava beans begin to soften and the flavors meld together.
5. Mash Beans: Using a spoon or potato masher, mash about half of the beans in the pot while leaving some beans whole for texture.
6. Adjust Consistency: If the stew becomes too thick or too little water remains, add extra water to reach your preferred consistency. Mix well.
7. Add Fresh Herbs and Lemon: Stir in the chopped cilantro and the juice of half a lemon to brighten the flavors.
8. Serve: Transfer the stew to a plate or bowl, drizzle with extra olive oil, and serve immediately. Pair with pita bread and additional lemon juice or herbs if desired.

Notes

• Using canned fava beans significantly reduces cooking time, but feel free to use dried fava beans soaked and cooked from scratch if preferred.
• Adjust salt and lemon juice according to taste to balance the earthiness of the fava beans.
• This dish is traditionally served with warm pita bread, which is perfect for scooping up the stew.
• Optional toppings like chopped parsley or cilantro and an extra drizzle of olive oil enhance flavor and presentation.
• This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan.

Keywords: Ful Medames, fava bean stew, Middle Eastern recipe, vegetarian stew, easy stovetop recipe, healthy bean stew