Today let’s dive into making Ful Medames, a super yummy Sudanese dish that’s all about fava beans cooked slow until they’re creamy and flavorful. It’s a breakfast favorite in Sudan, often served with bread, eggs, and fresh toppings like tomatoes and onions. This hearty stew is packed with protein, a bit tangy, and so comforting—perfect for starting your day.
Ingredients
Serves 4
For the Stew
- 2 cups dried fava beans (or 2 cans of cooked fava beans, about 15 oz each)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 3 cups water (if using dried beans)
- Juice of 1 lemon
For Toppings
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for spice)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced (optional)
For Serving
- Flatbread (like pita or Sudanese kisra) or crusty bread
Equipment
- Big pot (for cooking beans)
- Skillet (for sautéing)
- Potato masher or fork
- Knife (for chopping)
- Small bowls (for toppings)
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Fava Beans
If you’re using dried fava beans, you gotta soak them first. Put 2 cups of dried fava beans in a big bowl, cover with plenty of water, and let them soak overnight—at least 8 hours. They’ll swell up and get softer. Next morning, drain and rinse them. If you’re using canned fava beans to save time, just drain and rinse them, and you’re ready to go!
Step 2: Cook the Beans
For dried beans, put them in a big pot with 3 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, turn the heat to low, cover, and let them simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until they’re super soft and mushy. You might need to add more water if it gets too dry—keep an eye on it. If you’re using canned beans, skip this step since they’re already cooked, and move to the next step.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until it’s soft and golden. Add the minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of cumin powder, stirring for another 1 minute until it smells amazing. If you used dried beans, add this onion-garlic mix to the pot of beans. If you’re using canned beans, add the beans to the skillet with the onion and garlic, plus 1/2 cup of water to help them stew.
Step 4: Mash the Beans
Now let’s get that creamy texture Ful Medames is known for! Use a potato masher or fork to mash the beans a bit. You don’t want a smooth paste—leave some chunks for texture. If the mix looks too thick, add a splash of water to make it creamy but not soupy. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and stir well. Let it cook on low heat for 5–10 minutes so the flavors come together.
Step 5: Add the Final Touch
Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into the beans and stir it in—this gives Ful Medames its tangy kick! Taste and add more salt or pepper if you think it needs it. The stew should be creamy, a little tangy, and full of flavor. Turn off the heat and get ready to serve.
Step 6: Serve with Toppings
Scoop the Ful Medames into a big serving bowl or individual plates. Now for the fun part—toppings! Sprinkle the diced tomato, chopped onion, and fresh parsley over the top. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil for a rich finish, and add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little heat. If you’re using hard-boiled eggs, place a few slices on top—they add a nice protein boost. Serve it warm with flatbread or crusty bread on the side to scoop up all that goodness.
Cultural Context
Ful Medames is a big deal in Sudan, where it’s often eaten for breakfast or as a snack. It’s been around for ages, even back to ancient Egypt, and it’s a dish that brings people together—families share it from one big bowl, scooping it up with bread. In Sudan, you’ll find it at street stalls or homes, sometimes with extras like cheese or tahini. It’s simple, cheap, and filling, showing how Sudanese cooking makes the most of humble ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Ful Medames recipe is perfect for a cozy morning . The creamy fava beans with fresh toppings and warm bread are so comforting, and I love how easy it is to make. It’s hearty, healthy, and full of flavor—a great way to start your day. Grab some bread, dig in, and enjoy this Sudanese classic with your loved ones!
