Egyptian Ful Mudammas | Fava Beans

Egyptian Ful Mudammas | Fava Beans

Ful mudammas is a beloved Egyptian dish made from slow-cooked fava beans, traditionally enjoyed as both street food and a hearty breakfast. Known for its creamy texture and rich, earthy flavor, it is typically served with a drizzle of olive oil, a hint of tahini, and garnished with fresh cilantro. This vegan recipe is a cornerstone of Egyptian culture, offering a nutritious and satisfying meal often accompanied by pita bread, Egyptian salad, and ta’ameya. Ful mudammas holds a special place in Egyptian culinary heritage, uniting families and communities over its simple yet flavorful preparation.

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Ingredients

(Seasonings should be added to taste.)

• 1 cup dry fava beans

• 2 tablespoons tahini

• ground cumin

• sea salt

• black pepper

• olive oil

• fresh cilantro

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Instructions

Preparing the Fava Beans

Begin by soaking the dry fava beans in water for one full day. Once soaked, drain the water and rinse the beans thoroughly until the water runs clear. This ensures the beans are clean and ready for cooking.

Cooking the Fava Beans

Transfer the rinsed fava beans to a traditional bean pot, called a "dammasa" in Egyptian culture. Add enough water to fully cover the beans and bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the beans to simmer gently for six hours, or until fork tender, with the lid on. Be sure to check the water level every hour to ensure the beans remain submerged. The water should always be well above the beans.

TIP: If the water level drops, boil fresh water separately and add it to the pot to maintain consistent cooking.

TIP: Avoid stirring the beans during the cooking process to preserve their texture.

Final Preparation

Once the beans are fully cooked, transfer them to a serving dish. Use a fork to lightly mash the beans, leaving some texture intact for a traditional feel. Add tahini, ground cumin, sea salt, and black pepper to the mashed beans, then mix everything together until well combined.

Garnishing and Serving

Drizzle olive oil over the prepared ful mudammas and garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. Serve the dish warm alongside fresh pita bread. Ful mudammas also pairs wonderfully with Egyptian salad and ta’ameya, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.