Best known as Egypt's national dish, ful medames is a hearty stew of warmed fava beans stirred with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, usually eaten for breakfast. But ful, as it's known casually, is a staple all over the Middle East. As such, there are many subtle variations, and the version I am fondest of is my grandmother Ruth's, whose parents hailed from Aleppo, Syria. She claims that her special touch is a pinch of cayenne pepper. I think it's something far less tangible. —Lucy-Ruth Hathaway
Ingredients
- 2 (15-oz.) cans fava beans, drained and rinsed
- 1⁄4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1⁄4 cup olive oil, plus more to garnish
- 2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1⁄4 tsp. cayenne
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and mashed
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, cut into 6 wedges each
- 2 tbsp. finely chopped parsley
Instructions
Step 1
Step 2
- Place beans in a 2-qt. saucepan and cover with water by 1". Place over medium heat, and bring to a boil; cook until beans are tender, about 8 minutes.
- Drain beans, and transfer to a bowl; add juice, oil, cumin, cayenne, garlic, and salt and pepper. Stir until beans are lightly broken up. Transfer to a serving platter, and surround with egg wedges; drizzle with more oil, and sprinkle with parsley before serving.
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