Entree: Sudan – فول مدمس ➤ Fūl Mudammas (Stewed fava beans)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 10 min

Cook 1 hr 30 min

Total 1 hr 40 min

Ingredients

- 2 cups (400 g) dried fava beans, rinsed and soaked overnight
- 6 cups (1.4 L) water for cooking (plus more for soaking)
- 1 tsp (5 g) baking soda (optional, to help soften beans)
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for serving
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped, approx. 6 oz (170 g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 9 g)
- 2 tsp (4 g) ground cumin
- 1 tsp (5 g) ground coriander (optional)
- 1 tsp (5 g) coarse salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 medium tomato, finely chopped, approx. 5 oz (140 g)
- 1/2 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño or green chili, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, approx. 2 oz (57 g) each, halved (optional, traditional garnish)
- Warm pita bread or flatbread, for serving

Instructions

1. Drain the soaked fava beans, rinse, and place in a large pot with 6 cups (1.4 L) fresh water and baking soda if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook, partially covered, until the beans are very soft and breaking apart, about 1–2 hours (time depends on bean size and soak).
2. As the beans soften, skim any foam; if liquid reduces too much, add hot water to keep the beans just covered. When beans are tender, use a spoon or potato masher to mash lightly for a chunky yet creamy texture, or leave whole if preferred.
3. In a separate skillet, heat 3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 6–8 minutes. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, and ground coriander and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir the sautéed onion-spice mixture into the cooked fava beans. Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice; simmer gently for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld, adjusting seasoning and consistency with warm water if needed.
5. To serve, spoon ful medames into a shallow bowl, drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil, and top with chopped tomato, parsley, and chopped chili if using. Arrange halved hard-boiled eggs around the edge if desired.
6. Serve warm with warm pita or flatbread for scooping; eat family-style as a main course.