foul play

Foul Medames (pronounced - "fool mey-dah-mas") is an eygyptian fava bean ragout that is usually served w/ warm pita, and an egg -- either hard boiled or fried. foul is traditionally eaten for breakfast, which seems odd to someone from a culture that rationalizes eating sweets before 9am.

bold, mediterranean flavors dominate this humble preparation. the tomato lends welcomed tang and texture, while the ceci beans provide some diversity. hearty and nutritious -- it's the kind grub you'd need to fuel a long, hot day of building megaliths in the desert.


Foul Medames (Eygyptian Breakfast Beans)

1 onion, medium dice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28oz) can Foul Medammas (cooked fava beans), drained
1 (14oz) can ceci beans, drained
1 (14oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp garam masala
2 cups chicken stock
2 lemons, juiced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil + 2 TBS
1/2 cup parsely, chopped
salty & pepper to taste


1. heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a 10-inch, straight-sided skillet over medium heat. add
onions and a heavy pinch of salt (1 tsp); sweat onions over medium heat until limp and translucent -- about 6 minutes. add garlic, cook fo an additional 2 minutes.

2. add the drained beans, tomatoes, and enough stock to *just* cover -- about 2 cups. bring to
a boil, then reduce to a simmer. add the cumin and garam masala. simmer, uncovered until the liquid is reduce by half; about 8 minutes.

3. using a potato masher (or the bottom of a glass), mash the bean mixture enough to thicken the remaining liquid -- the consistency is a matter of preference -- i enjoy it a bit thicker. add lemon juice, the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil, and parsley.

- season to taste and serve w/ charred pita.

© 2009 c. c. villani @ "mission: insatiable" - http://missioninsatiable.com/