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    You Are Here Home » Appetizer Recipes

    Published: Feb 23, 2017 Updated: Sep 30, 2021 by Hilda Sterner | This post may contain affiliate links Leave a Comment

    Foul Medames (Fava Bean Dip)

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    fava beans in a bowl

    Foul Medames, Egypt's national dish, is prepared with fava beans that are simmered or marinated in a dressing made with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. This Middle Eastern Foul recipe is usually served for breakfast. Occasionally, it's also served as an appetizer, along with homemade Pita Bread.

    Foul Medames in a bowl

    Mom's Fava Bean Recipe

    Foul Medames, has many spellings including "Fulmudammas," "Foule Mudammes," and "Ful Medames." It's quite popular throughout the Middle East in general.

    Mom's Foul Medames recipe was pretty simple and the Fava beans are not mashed, as they are in many other Foul recipes.

    How to Make This Recipe

    Drain and rinse fava beans and add to a medium-sized bowl.

    fava beans in a strainer

    Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt.

    salad dressing in a small cup with a mini whisk

    Pour the lemon and olive oil mixture over the Fava beans, and stir to combine. Sprinkle with dill weed, and mint, if using. Mix in to incorporate the flavors.

    fava beans in a small glass bowl

    Allow the Fava beans to marinate for at least an hour before serving.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Ful Medames Healthy?

    "Fava beans," sometimes called "broad beans," are a staple in the Middle East. Besides being very good for you, they are also quite delicious!

    Fava beans are high in protein (packing nine grams in a half-cup serving). But the exciting thing is they are also low in carbs. More detailed nutrition info can be found here.

    Why is it that more people don't include these nutritious legumes in their diet? I'm hoping to do my part in changing that with this Foul Medames recipe.

    What is Foul Medames made of?

    You've probably caught on that the star of the show in Ful Medames is fava beans, but what other ingredients are included in this dish?

    The following are common ingredients found in this dish:

    • fava beans
    • garlic
    • lemon juice
    • olive oil
    • salt and pepper
    • dill weed, mint, or parsley
    • diced tomatoes
    • cumin

    How do you serve Foul Medames?

    "Foul Medames" is served in a few different ways. In this recipe, I leave the fava beans whole. But in some recipes, the beans are mashed and mixed with olive oil and lemon juice.

    Traditionally, Foul Medames is served as "Mezza," which refers to a variety of appetizers served with alcohol. Other Mezza dishes include Hummus, Tabouli, and Bourak (Assyrian egg rolls).

    Foul Medames is one of those dishes that makes me think of my dad, who passed away when I was in boot camp when I was eighteen years old.

    Whenever he entertained his friends, mom would put out a delicious Mezza spread that always included Foul Medames. Isn't it funny how food can be tied to so many memories?

    Are Fava Beans the Same as Lima Beans?

    Fava beans come in various sizes and colors. Although they get mistaken for lima beans, they are definitely not the same thing.

    It's true that they both grow in pods, but they taste nothing alike!

    Fresh fava beans are green, while the canned variety are brown. I wish it was easier to find the fresh variety.

    Unfortunately, I've only been able to find them in Middle Eastern markets. Luckily, canned fava beans are pretty readily available.

    Fava beans have a skin covering them, and lima beans do not. The thin "skin" covering fava beans can either be peeled off or eaten.

    Personally, I prefer eating the skin, I mean who doesn't need a little more fiber in their diet, am I right?

    fresh fava beans
    Fava Beans
    fresh lima beans
    Lima Beans

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    📖 Recipe

    Foul Medames / fava beans in a small glass bowl

    Middle Eastern Dilled Fava Beans (Bagila)

    Middle Eastern mezza/appetizer. Fava beans with a delicious lemony dill dressing.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Rate
    Course: Appetizers, Side Dish
    Cuisine: Assyrian, Middle Eastern
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour
    Servings: 4 ½ cup
    Calories: 252kcal

    Ingredients

    • 20 oz. can large fava beans
    • 1 medium lemon juiced
    • 3 T. olive oil
    • 2 cloves garlic pressed
    • 1 tsp. salt
    • 1 ½ tsp. dill weed
    • 1 ½ tsp. dried mint (optional)

    Instructions

    • Drain and rinse fava beans and add to a medium-sized bowl.
    • Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt. Pour the lemon and olive oil mixture over the Fava beans, and stir to combine.
    • Sprinkle with dill weed, and mint, if using. Mix in to incorporate the flavors.
    • Allow to marinate for at least an hour before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 252kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 584mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 3g
    Tried this Recipe? Please leave A Star Rating!Mention @HildasKitchenBlog or tag #HildasKitchenBlog!

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