A few years ago, my spouse and I took a 3-week trip to the Middle East. Among the many highlights, our visit to Egypt was probably the most intense experience we had. The sights, the people, and the food – everything there was incredibly vibrant. However, the dish that stood out the most in my memory was the Egyptian ful medames. It had a flavor like nothing I had ever tasted before. This is the story of how I discovered this delicious dish.
As I strolled through Cairo with the surge of people around me, my belly unexpectedly let out a rumble of hunger. Wandering through the heart of the market with my spouse, surrounded by sounds and colors that screamed of local culture, I became beset by a strong craving for some tasty food. In the bustling market, I noticed a small eatery tucked away in a secluded corner. The restaurant was insignificant among all the commotion and noise, yet it still managed to draw my attention.
The owner welcomed us in a friendly manner and further extended an invitation to savor a famed native dish, ful medames. Though I had never made acquaintance with it before, this new exploration intrigued me irresistibly. To my surprise, it was absolutely amazing. Fava beans combined with garlic, lemon juice, and an admixture of spices to create a dish that had been a treasured heritage for many generations. Moreover, the subtly balanced flavors make this dish truly noteworthy.
As I was enjoying the last morsel of my meal, a disturbance commenced outside the restaurant, disrupting my moment. Consequently, I took a glance out the window, and I witness an apparent runaway bull being pursued by several people. The scene was both wild and amusing, depicting the true Egyptian spirit in that even an unpredictable event such as a charging bull could occur during daily life.
After the initial buzz died down, I shifted my focus back to savoring the amazing dish. Inquiring about the cooking process, I asked its owner for the recipe. He was clearly proud of his culinary skills and wanted to give others a chance to experience them.
To make this dish, you will need to use: olive oil, red onion, garlic, cumin, salt, black pepper, fava beans, and water.
Ful medames is a popular Egyptian breakfast dish that is both healthy and delicious. Here are some options for what to serve it with:
Fresh pita bread: This is a classic accompaniment to ful medames. Warm the pita in the oven or on a griddle, then tear it into pieces and use it to scoop up the beans.
Hard-boiled eggs: Many people like to serve ful medames with sliced hard-boiled eggs. The protein from the eggs complements the fiber and nutrients in the beans, making for a well-rounded breakfast.
Feta cheese: Crumbled feta cheese is a great addition to ful medames. Its tangy flavor pairs well with the earthy flavor of the beans.
Fresh vegetables: A plate of sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and/or radishes can be a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory beans. Plus, the added nutrients and fiber will make for an even healthier meal.
Hot sauce or harissa: If you like a bit of spice, consider adding hot sauce or harissa to your ful medames. The heat will wake up your taste buds and add some extra flavor to the dish.
Tea or coffee: Ful medames is often served with a hot beverage like tea or coffee. This can help balance out the heaviness of the beans and provide a refreshing start to your day.
Egyptian ful medames was definitely the biggest standout for me in creating an authentic Middle Eastern experience. It is a culinary masterpiece that truly encapsulates all the rich flavors, aromas, elements, and ingredients that make Egypt unforgettable.
So here is the recipe for the delicious Egyptian ful medames:
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp of cumin
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1/3 tsp of black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) of fava beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups water
- Optional: sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and pita bread
How to make Egyptian ful medames?
- Heat the olive oil in a sizeable pot over a medium-high flame. Once it’s hot, throw in the onion and sauté until cooked. Cook the onion for 7-8 minutes, waiting until it has browned and caramelized. Once this is achieved, throw in the garlic and stir it around for a short 30 seconds.
- Stirring in the cumin, salt, and pepper for 30 seconds until fragrant, season the pot with these spices to complete the dish.
- Add the fava beans and water, then increase the heat and bring to a low boil. When at a simmering point, maintain this temperature for 20 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat once cooled down slightly and proceed to blend the bean mixture using either a blender, an immersion blender, or a food processor – blending just until its contents are broken down yet still have some chunks.
- Serve this flavorful Mediterranean barley salad with a few toppings of your choice for added crunch and taste. A sprinkling of sea salt and some extra olive oil can balance the herbaceous flavors. Consider additional toppings such as fresh herbs, cut cherry tomatoes, or feta cheese.
This easy-to-make side dish is perfect as a breakfast or as a side dish for any meat-based meal and requires no prior experience. I highly recommend giving it a try. Happy cooking!
