Ful Medames (Stew of Fava Beans)Recipe

Soak the fava beans: Cover the dry fava beans with enough cold water.  Mix in the bicarbonate soda and stir until it is fully dissolved.  Leave the beans soaked in water overnight.

Stew the dry fava beans: On the next day, rinse the fava beans well with cold water and place it in the slow cooker and cover with water:  Add the tomato, garlic, onion, lentils, spices and rice. Set on low for 5:00 hours. Check every hour and add water if the liquid runs low.

Taste and adjust the seasoning: Tune the spices and heat to your liking before serving.

Serve:  Foul medames is best served hot. Drizzle some extra virgin olive oil on top, garnish with tomatoes, fresh parsley, and spring onions. Serve it with warm pita bread, along with humus or tahini sauce, an assortment of pickles, fresh lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and tabasco sauce.