Ingredients:

For the Ful:

• 2 cups dried fava beans
• Water for soaking and cooking
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt, to taste
• Juice of 2 lemons

For the Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Chopped fresh tomatoes
• Chopped green onions
• Radishes (optional)
• Hard-boiled eggs (optional)
• Pickles (optional)
• Olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Soak the Fava Beans:

   • Start by rinsing the dried fava beans under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
   • Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Allow them to soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. This will soften the beans and reduce their cooking time.

2. Cook the Fava Beans:

   • Drain and rinse the soaked fava beans.
   • Place the beans in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
   • Cook the beans for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until they are tender. You can check for doneness by mashing a bean with a fork; it should mash easily.
   • Drain the cooked beans and set them aside.

3. Prepare the Ful Medames:

   • In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and ground cumin to the hot oil. Sauté for a minute or two until fragrant.
   • Add the cooked fava beans to the skillet and stir well to combine with the garlic and cumin.
   • Using a fork or a potato masher, gently mash the beans in the skillet. You want to partially mash them, leaving some beans whole for texture.
   • Season the beans with salt and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Serve Ful Medames:

   • Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the lemon juice over the Ful Medames. Mix it in.
   • Transfer the Ful Medames to serving plates or a serving dish.

5. Garnish:

   • Top the Ful Medames with chopped fresh parsley, chopped tomatoes, chopped green onions, and any other optional garnishes you like, such as radishes, hard-boiled eggs, or pickles.
   • Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top for added flavor.

6. Serve:

   • Ful Medames is traditionally served with pita bread or flatbread. You can also serve it with additional lemon wedges and hot sauce if you like it spicy.

Enjoy your homemade Ful Medames, a nutritious and delicious Middle Eastern dish!