Nile Valley Ful Medames

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-06 · Updated 2026-04-06

A hearty, spiced fava bean stew infused with cumin and garlic, served with fresh herbs and lemon—a beloved Cairo street food breakfast. This Egyptian vegetarian recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs canned fava beans, olive oil, and onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Build a week of meals around this recipe" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 2 (15 oz) cans canned fava beans, drained
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 2 tbsp chopped mint
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 slices crusty bread

The chef’s knife we’d prep this with → Best Chef's Knives for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add 1 chopped onion and cook for 10 minutes until translucent and very soft, stirring occasionally.
2. Step 2: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp cumin, and 1/2 tsp paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 2 (15 oz) drained canned fava beans.
3. Step 3: Mash the beans with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky, adding 1/4 cup water if too dry. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and the flavors meld.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, and 2 tbsp chopped mint. Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Step 5: Serve warm with 4 slices of crusty bread for dipping, ensuring each bite has the perfect balance of earthy beans, bright lemon, and fresh herbs.