Foul mudammas is a traditional Egyptian stew of fava beans and chickpeas simmered with garlic, cumin, and red pepper until creamy. It's a nutrient-dense, naturally vegan dish served warm as a breakfast or light meal.
1 cup dried chickpeas (AKA garbanzo beans), (or 1 (15-ounce) can, rinsed and drained)
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1/2 medium red onion, chopped fine
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon Himalayan sea salt
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 cup low-sodium veggie broth
1/8 cup unsalted tahini
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup chopped grape or cherry tomatoes, (or other tomatoes of your choice)
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1/4 cup chopped scallions, (optional)optional
15 Ingredients
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Instructions
1
Put the dried fava beans into a large-sized bowl or pot. Cover by 3 to 4 inches of water and refrigerate overnight. Do the same with the dried chickpeas in a separate medium-sized bowl or pot.
2
In the morning drain the water from the fava beans, rinse them, then recover with a couple of inches of fresh water and put them back into the refrigerator. Repeat this same process with the soaking chickpeas.
3
Drain and rinse the chickpeas one more time. Put them into a saucepan with enough fresh water to cover by a few inches. Mostly cover the pan and bring to lively simmer over medium-high heat. Simmer for about 1-1/2 hours, or until al dente. Adjust the heat if necessary to keep at a simmer and add more water if needed so the chickpeas stay submerged. Drain the water from the pan and set the cooked chickpeas aside.
4
While the chickpeas are cooking, drain and rinse the fava beans then peel away their skins. This step will take at least 20 minutes so enlist help! See video.
5
Put the skinned fava beans into a saucepan with enough fresh water to cover by a few inches. Mostly cover the pan and bring to lively simmer over medium-high heat. Simmer for about an hour or until the beans are very soft and breaking apart. Adjust the heat if necessary to keep at a simmer and add more water if needed so the fava beans stay submerged.
6
When the fava beans are very soft, strain over a heat-proof bowl and reserve the liquid.
7
If a thick stew is desired, mash about one third of the cooked or canned fava beans with a potato masher. If your goal is to create the consistency of dip, mash all of the fava beans.
8
Put the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a bit of the onion. When it starts to sizzle add the rest of the onion and sauté until softened. Add the garlic, peppers, cumin, and salt. Stir and sauté for about 30 more seconds.
9
Add the chickpeas, the fava beans, veggie broth, and tahini to the pan. Also add some of the reserved fava bean cooking liquid (or liquid from canned fava beans), more or less depending on the consistency desired; stir everything together. Simmer for about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
10
When serving, top each bowl with the tomatoes, parsley, and scallions.
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Tips & Notes
Pro tips
Soak dried beans overnight to reduce cooking time by half and improve digestibility.
Mash some beans against the pot side as they cook to release starches and create a naturally creamy texture without added dairy.
Toast the cumin lightly in the pot before adding broth to deepen its flavor.
Taste and adjust salt and red pepper at the end—the flavors develop as it simmers, so under-season initially.
Substitutions
Dried chickpeas → canned chickpeas (rinsed and drained; reduce simmering time to 10–15 minutes)
Himalayan sea salt → kosher salt or table salt (use slightly less; adjust to taste)
Crushed red pepper → cayenne pepper (start with 1/4 teaspoon and increase gradually)
Veggie broth → water (add 1 teaspoon of additional salt to compensate)
Storage & make-ahead
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
Common Questions
Can I use canned fava beans instead of dried?
Yes. Use 2 (15-ounce) cans of fava beans and reserve the liquid to add during cooking for creaminess. Reduce cooking time to 10–15 minutes.
Is foul mudammas vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan—it contains only legumes, olive oil, vegetables, and spices.
How thick should the stew be?
Foul mudammas should be thick and stew-like, similar to hummus consistency. Add veggie broth gradually and adjust to your preference.
What do I serve with foul mudammas?
Traditionally served warm with pita bread, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of olive oil.
How long does it take to cook dried beans?
Dried fava beans and chickpeas typically take 45–60 minutes to become tender. Soaking overnight reduces cooking time to 30–40 minutes.