"Ful Medames" | fava beans breakfast recipe [Vegan + Gluten Free]

Ful mudammas also known as "ful" is a popular dish made with fava beans served in the Middle East usually for breakfast & lunch.  Now I know what you're thinking: beans aren't the first thing that comes to mind when you wake up in the morning, but I promise you'll love this just as much as I do after giving it a shot.  Being Lebanese I really couldn't believe I hadn't heard of this dish or even tasted it prior to my boyfriend cooking it for me a year ago.  And it's possibly my favorite thing to eat.. like, ever. It's quick & easy to whip up in the morning and satisfies your craving for something savory & hearty. The best part? It's vegan, gluten free, AND packed with tons of fiber, iron, folate & manganese. Here's what you need: 

Ingredients

1. 1 cup cooked or canned fava beans
2. Tsp coconut oil to sauce the pan 
3. 1/4 onion, minced
4. 1 raw or 2 roasted garlic cloves, chopped 
5. 1/4 cup water
6. Pinch of sea salt *some people do this but I do not- they taste delicious as is! 
7. Juice from 1 fresh lemon (or more to taste)

Optional Toppings/Garnish

1. Diced ripe red tomato
2. Raw onion sliced into rings
3. Fresh minced parsley or cilantro
4. Sliced Cucumber 

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I'm not going to waste your time with steps- you guys are smart people so here's what you need to know. :) 

In a sauce pan add no more than a tablespoon of coconut oil (you can olive oil as well) and saute garlic & onion. Then add cooked/canned fava beans. You can get fava beans at any supermarket but I like shopping at Daily Bread (a Middle Eastern market in Miami) for all my Middle Eastern dishes. This is the brand I bought: 

** Tip: Canned Foul at this market is $1.50 as opposed to $2.27 at Whole Foods.  Plus you're getting the real thing straight from Lebanon***

Let the flavors simmer for about 5 minutes on medium heat, add some lemon and top with tomatoes, parsley, and anything else your heart desires :) 

Let me know what you guys think in the comments.  Bon Appetite!