Sudanese Ful Medames
Ful medames is a traditional Sudanese dish made from cooked fava beans, commonly enjoyed for breakfast or as a light meal. It is a nutritious and filling dish, packed with protein and fiber. The beans are typically seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a blend of spices, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying culinary experience.
2 cups dried fava beans
4 cups water (for soaking)
4 cups water (for cooking)
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground coriander
Salt, to taste
Optional toppings: chopped parsley, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, hard-boiled eggs, feta cheese
Rinse the dried fava beans under cold water and then place them in a large pot. Add 4 cups of water to the pot and let the beans soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours. This helps soften the beans and reduce the cooking time.
8 hours
Drain the soaked fava beans and rinse them under cold water. Return the beans to the pot and add 4 cups of fresh water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer for about 1–1½ hours, or until they become tender. Stir occasionally and skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
1½ hours
Once the beans are tender, drain them using a colander or strainer and transfer them to a mixing bowl. Add minced garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, and salt to the bowl. Mix everything together, ensuring that the beans are coated evenly with the seasoning.
For a smoother consistency, you can use a fork or a potato masher to lightly mash some of the beans. This step is optional and can be adjusted according to your preference.
Transfer the seasoned ful medames to a serving dish. Ful medames can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. You can serve it with a variety of optional toppings such as chopped parsley, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, hard-boiled eggs, or crumbled feta cheese. It is commonly served with bread or as a side dish alongside other Sudanese specialties.