Ful Medames
AI-generated image
Vegan Levantine

Ful Medames

A warm Levantine breakfast and main dish of creamy fava beans seasoned with lemon, garlic, cumin, and olive oil, finished with fresh herbs and served with warm flatbread.

40 min 4 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Combine the drained fava beans and water in a wide saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are very soft and the liquid is slightly thickened.
2
Stir in the grated garlic, cumin, and salt. Mash roughly one-third of the beans against the side of the pan, leaving the remainder intact, and simmer for 3 minutes until fragrant.
Creamy ful medames with some whole fava beans remaining AI-generated image
3
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in 30 ml of the olive oil and the lemon juice. Taste and adjust the salt or lemon; add a splash of water if the beans seem dry.
4
Spoon the ful into a shallow serving bowl. Make a few wells in the surface and drizzle with the remaining 30 ml olive oil, then scatter with the chopped parsley.
Finished Ful Medames topped with olive oil and parsley beside warm pita AI-generated image
5
Serve immediately with the warmed pita and fresh vegetables, while the beans are hot and spoonably thick.

Why this recipe works

Slow simmering softens the fava beans into a hearty base, while lemon, garlic, cumin, and olive oil balance their earthy richness with brightness and aroma.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Refrigerate cooled ful in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Store the garnishes and flatbread separately.

How to reheat it

Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water, stirring until steaming hot throughout. Refresh with lemon juice before serving.

Nutrition / serving

528kcal
21.12 gprotein
74.84 gcarbs
16.78 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 20 Aug 2026 · updated 21 Aug 2026