Ful Medames is a fava bean breakfast dish that is popular in Sudan. It is prepared in large quantities for the holy month of Ramadan and eaten before sunrise to prepare for daytime fasting. Ful Medames is believed to have originated in Egypt but is considered to be Sudan’s national dish. Typically, boiled eggs are served with it, along with flatbread. Dried beans are traditionally used but Ful Medames can also be prepared using canned fava beans or chickpeas.

Directions for Preparing Ful Medames

1. Drain each can of fava beans and place them in a bowl.
2. Rinse the beans with water.
3. Separate half of the beans and mash with a fork.
4. Set aside all of the beans.
5. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet.
7. Sauté for five (0:05) minutes until the onions are tender.
8. Add the mashed and whole beans to the skillet.
9. Season the beans with lemon juice, salt, cumin, pepper, and smoked paprika.
10. Cook for five (0:05) minutes over medium-high heat, stirring the beans occasionally.
11. Gradually add the vegetable stock until the desired consistency of gravy is achieved.
12. Spoon the cooked beans onto a serving platter.
13. Arrange slices of boiled eggs over the beans.
14. Top with chopped raw tomatoes and parsley.
15. Serve with any type of flatbread such as pita or chapatti.