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-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs canned fava beans, olive oil, 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 "Plan a meal with the AI" 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, drained canned fava beans
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves, minced garlic
• 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.