How to Make Egyptian Fava Beans "Ful Medames" Sandwich From Scratch

Sandwiches are present in almost all cultures worldwide having a special trait of being easily eaten anywhere without making so much mess. In Egypt, a stew of cooked fava beans -or as Egyptian call "Ful Medames"- is considered the most popular breakfast dish, almost all Egyptians have Ful for breakfast as it is known for being high in protein and other nutrients, being completely vegan and giving a prolonged feeling of fullness around the day. Ful can be eaten as a bread dip or in a sandwich. In this instructable, I am sharing with you my first time making Ful stew on my own and I encourage you to try it because it turned out delicious.

Supplies

For the Ful stew:

• 350 grams of fava beans.
• 70 grams of peeled fava beans.
• 50 grams of peeled red lentils.
• 1 large tomato.
• 2 cloves of garlic.
• Beans cooking pot.

For the Ful seasoning:

• 330 grams of cooked Ful.
• 2 spoons of chopped dill and coriander leaves.
• 2 spoons of finely chopped green pepper.
• 2 minced cloves of garlic.
• Juice of 1/2 a lime.
• 1/2 a teaspoon of cumin powder.
• A pinch of chili powder.
• A pinch of coriander powder.
• 1 teaspoon of salt or to taste.
• 2 spoons of tahini.
• 2 spoons of flaxseed oil.
• A loaf of pita bread for the sandwich.

Step 1: Soaking the Fava Beans

Before cooking the fava beans, it is a necessity to soak it, so :

• Wash the fava beans.
• Put them in the pot.
• Cover them with water.
• Soak them for 4-6 hours.

Step 2: Preparing the Legumes

After the fava beans are soaked:

• Drain the beans in a strainer.
• Rinse them under running water.
• Add the lentils and the peeled beans to the strainer.
• Rinse all the legumes.
• Drain them.
• Add them to the pot.

Step 3: Cooking the Fava Beans

After the legumes are ready in the pot:

• Add 1 peeled tomato and 2 cloves of garlic.
• Add boiling water.
• Turn on the stove on high heat until the water boils again.
• Turn down the heat to the lowest degree possible.
• Check the pot every 2 hours to see if the stew needs water.
• Add boiling water if the water is not sufficient in the pot.
• Turn off the heat when the stew is done, it might take up to 8 hours

Step 4: Seasoning the Ful

To the cooked Ful add:

• 2 spoons of chopped dill and coriander leaves.
• 2 spoons of finely chopped green pepper.
• 2 minced cloves of garlic.
• 1/2 a lime.
• 1/2 a teaspoon of cumin powder.
• A pinch of chili powder.
• A pinch of coriander powder.
• 1 teaspoon of salt or to taste.
• 2 spoons of tahini.
• 2 spoons of flaxseed oil.

While adding the ingredients, mash and stir the mixture with a fork.

Step 5: Making the Sandwich

After the Ful is done, Now it is time to make the sandwich:

• Open the pita bread from the side.
• Add 2 filled spoons of the Ful.
• Spread them inside the bread.
• Close the sandwich.

Step 6: Serving

Here we are, the Ful sandwich is ready. You can serve it with leafy greens, vegetables, and pickles.

Bon Appétit or as we say in Egypt "Belhana wel shefa"