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Egyptian ful (fava beans) are a traditional breakfast food in Egypt. The fava beans are cooked with garlic, onions, tomatoes and cumin. Ful mudammas is typically served with pita bread, eggs and falafel (tameya). Side note: if you’re new to my blog, here is a little bit about my background!

I personally love savory breakfast foods so I really enjoy ful. I was first introduced to ful when I was dating my (now) husband. My mother in law made Egyptian breakfast for me one morning and prepared a beautiful spread of traditional dishes. Ful, tameya, eggs, basterma (similar to pastrami), pita bread, arugula and pickled vegetables. It was delicious and I’ve been eating ful ever since!

What is ful mudammas?

Ful mudammas (pronounced fool mu-dah-mahs) are fava beans, also known as broad beans. The term mudammas translates to “buried.” In ancient times, fava beans were immersed in a pot of water and buried under hot coals so they could cook slowly.

Today, most people use canned fava beans because it’s much more convenient. However, you can still soak dry fava beans overnight and slow cook them the next day, if you prefer.

Ful has a high fiber content which makes for a very satisfying meal. Eating Ful mudammas for breakfast will definitely keep you full until lunchtime. In Muslim countries, ful is often eaten during Ramadan before sunrise because it helps people stay full while fasting during daylight hours.

Egyptian canned fava beans — Canned fava beans

How to make ful?

Ful gets its flavor from aromatics like onions, garlic and cumin. Other popular ingredients include tomatoes, hot peppers, parsley, lemon and also olive oil. Some like to mash the fava beans and some prefer them whole. No matter your preference, I’m sure you will agree this is a deliciously satisfying dish!

Start by adding olive oil to a pan over medium high heat. Add garlic, onions and hot pepper (if using) and tomatoes. I like to use green jalapeño but you can use any pepper you like. If you don’t have fresh tomatoes on hand you can substitute for canned tomatoes or also tomato sauce.

Next add the fava beans (rinsed and drained). Add some water or chicken stock (vegetable stock, if vegan), a little drizzle of lemon juice, reduce heat and cover. Cook for about 5-10 minutes or until beans are tender. Mash with a fork or potato masher and also drizzle with a little olive oil before serving. Garnish with diced tomatoes and chopped parsley.

Egyptian ful (fava beans) — Egyptian ful ingredients

What to serve with ful?

Ful mudammas is a common breakfast food in Egypt. Ful is served with pita bread, eggs and falafel (tameya). Other side dishes I like to serve with ful are: breakfast potatoes, pickled vegetables and fresh arugula. A bowl of fresh fruit also serves as a nice compliment for a well rounded breakfast!

Egyptian ful (fava beans), tameya, eggs, arugula salad, tomatoes, lemon — Egyptian ful (fava beans), tameya, arugula

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Egyptian Ful (Fava Beans)

5 from 4 votes

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Servings 4 people

Ingredientes

1 16 oz can of fava beans drained and rinsed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion diced
3-4 garlic cloves crushed
1 small tomato diced
1 green jalapeño diced, (optional)
1/2 cup water more, as needed
1-2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Place a pan or skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil.
Add garlic, onions, jalapeño (if using), and tomatoes. Stir together and cook until fragrant and onions become translucent.
Add beans and stir everything until well combined. Add water, lemon juice and seasoning. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 10 minutes, making sure there is enough liquid in the pan.
Lightly mash beans, if desired. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil on top. Garnish with diced tomatoes and parsley.