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"Food is the doorway to the heart." - Naguib Mahfouz


Foul Medames, a cherished Egyptian dish, tells the tale of centuries-old flavors and cultural significance. Made from humble fava beans, this dish embodies the essence of Egyptian cuisine, a harmonious blend of history, tradition, and community. Often enjoyed for breakfast or as street food, Foul Medames captivates palates with its rich flavors and nourishing nature, uniting people over a shared love for its unique taste.


The history of Foul Medames weaves through the tapestry of Egypt's ancient past. Originating from the Nile Delta region, this dish's roots can be traced back to Pharaonic times, with evidence suggesting that fava beans were a dietary staple in the ancient Egyptian diet. Over millennia, Foul Medames evolved from a simple sustenance into a celebrated culinary treasure.


During the Islamic era, Foul Medames grew in popularity due to its affordability and nutritional value, aligning with Islamic principles of providing sustenance to those in need. Its accessibility made it a common dish, found on tables of both rich and poor, fostering a sense of unity and equality.


In contemporary Egypt, Foul Medames remains a beloved dish, adorning breakfast tables and street corners. It's an enduring link to the past, cherished for its authenticity and the warmth it brings to gatherings. With a resurgence of interest in traditional cuisine and a growing global appreciation for diverse flavors, Foul Medames finds itself in the spotlight, celebrated both locally and internationally.


In conclusion, Foul Medames stands as a tribute to Egypt's culinary legacy, a dish that reflects the nation's rich history, cultural values, and the enduring joy of shared meals. From ancient times to the present, Foul Medames continues to nourish both body and soul, fostering connections and reminding us of the profound role food plays in our lives.


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Serving & Tradition

Tang Yuan is typically eaten hot, either in a sweet ginger broth or plain with a drizzle of honey. Families gather to eat them while praying for happiness, family unity, and a prosperous year ahead. The roundness of Tang Yuan reflects the full moon, symbolizing harmony and reunion.

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Hi! I`m Ben Pierce Jones

I've spent the last seven years traveling around the world, working and studying abroad.

Foul Medames From Egypt

Foul Medames, a cherished Egyptian dish, tells the tale of centuries-old flavors and cultural significance.

Prep time

30 mins

Cook time

2 hours

Serves

6

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups dried fava beans

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • Juice of 2 lemons

  • Salt, to taste

  • Ground cumin, to taste

  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

  • Chopped tomatoes, for garnish

  • Chopped green onions, for garnish

  • Hard-boiled eggs, for serving (optional)

  • Pita bread or Egyptian baladi bread, for serving


For the Garnish (choose any combination you prefer):

  • Chopped fresh tomatoes

  • Chopped green onions

  • Chopped parsley

  • Chopped radishes

  • Chopped cucumbers

  • Chopped pickles

  • Feta cheese or Egyptian "gibna domiati"

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Instructions

A typical Egyptian breakfast made from Fava beans and lots of greens.

Click here for video recipe and story on Instagram


Soak the Fava Beans or use canned beans:


  1. Rinse the dried fava beans and soak them in water overnight, or for at least 8 hours. The beans will expand, so make sure they are covered with water.

  2. Many Egyptian households use pre-canned beans, because its easier and the texture is already established. I tried to do this with the dried beans and I chose the "large" favas, which was technically wrong. Shoot for smaller fava beans.


Cook the Fava Beans:


  1. Drain and rinse the soaked fava beans. Place them in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the beans until they are tender, which usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. You can also use a pressure cooker to speed up the process. Make sure the beans are really cooked hard, so the texture is smooth.


Prepare the Beans:


  1. Once the beans are cooked, drain them and return them to the pot. Mash the beans with a potato masher or the back of a spoon until they're partially mashed but still have some texture.


Season the Beans:


  1. Add minced garlic, minced onion olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and ground cumin to the mashed beans. Mix well to combine the flavors.


Warm the Beans:


  1. Place the pot with the seasoned beans over low heat and gently warm the mixture, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of water if the mixture becomes too thick.

  2. If you want to use onion as a base, add onions to pan and cook until translucent. Add beans after.


Serve:


  1. Spoon the warm Foul Medames onto individual serving plates or in shallow bowls.

  2. Garnish the dish with chopped parsley, chopped tomatoes, chopped green onions, a big glug of good olive oil, tahina and any other garnishes you prefer.


Serving:

  1. Foul Medames is typically served with pita bread or Egyptian baladi bread. It's common to tear off pieces of bread and use them to scoop up the beans.


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