Slow-Simmered Egyptian Ful Medames with Garlic and Lemon

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-30 · Updated 2026-06-30

A hearty Egyptian breakfast dish featuring slow-cooked fava beans simmered with garlic, lemon, and olive oil for a rich, tangy flavor. This Middle Eastern-inspired recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 140 minutes, combines dried fava beans, water, garlic cloves, minced into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. 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

• 1 cup dried fava beans
• 4 cups water
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dried fava beans thoroughly and soak in water overnight, about 8 hours, then drain.
2. Step 2: In a large pot, combine soaked fava beans with 4 cups fresh water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours until beans are very tender and starting to break apart.
3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; simmer for an additional 10 minutes until fragrant and flavors meld.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, mixing gently to create a thick, creamy texture.
5. Step 5: Transfer the beans to a serving bowl and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes, and 1/4 cup chopped red onion for a fresh contrast.