Ful Medames(Lebanese; International)
Ful Medames is a vibrant Lebanese dish featuring tender cooked beans topped with a flavorful mixture of fresh herbs, vegetables, and spicy jalapenos. Its bold, refreshing flavors make it perfect for a light meal or appetizer, offering a delightful combination of savory, tangy, and spicy notes.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. beans (fava, red kidney or black-eyed) ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 4 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 tsp. finely chopped parsley ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 c. diced radish ⓘ
- 1/4 c. diced tomato ⓘ
- 1/4 c. finely chopped green onion
- 4 c. watermelon flesh, peeled, seeded and diced small ⓘ
- 1/3 c. minced red onion ⓘ
- 1/3 c. minced cilantro ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. minced fresh jalapeno chile ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. minced fresh red jalapeno chile or other mild fresh pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
Instructions
- Toss together watermelon, minced red onion, chopped cilantro, minced jalapeno chiles, kosher salt, minced garlic, and lime juice in a glass or pottery bowl.
- Let the mixture stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider mashing some of the beans before mixing them with the other ingredients. If you can't find fava beans, red kidney or black-eyed peas work well as substitutions. Fresh lime juice can replace lemon juice for a different flavor profile. Adding a touch of cumin can enhance the dish's depth, complementing the watermelon and herbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ful Medames chilled or at room temperature. This dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as part of a mezze platter alongside hummus, baba ghanoush, and pita bread. For a refreshing twist, consider adding a side of Vegetable Relish to enhance the meal's color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the mixture in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also serve it cold as a refreshing salad. If it seems dry, add a splash of olive oil to rejuvenate the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ful Medames(Lebanese; International) contains roughly 743 calories, with 79g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (454% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (292% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned beans for convenience. Just rinse and drain them before adding to the recipe. Canned beans will save you cooking time, but dried beans often have a better texture and flavor. Adjust the cooking time accordingly if you opt for dried beans.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add more minced jalapeno or include a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also use a hotter pepper variety, such as serrano or habanero, depending on your spice tolerance. Start with small amounts and adjust to your taste to avoid overwhelming the dish.
Is this dish vegan-friendly?
Yes, Ful Medames is entirely vegan! It is made with plant-based ingredients, making it a great option for those following vegan recipes. The dish is flavorful and nutritious, offering a good source of protein from the beans and healthy fats from the olive oil.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).