Ful Medames
Ful Medames is a beloved Egyptian dish made from slow-cooked fava beans, typically seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, and often served with herbs and spices. It's a staple breakfast or street food throughout Egypt and the broader Middle East, commonly enjoyed with pita bread.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Ful Medames is a high-fiber, plant-based protein source, providing a good balance of complex carbohydrates and healthy fats from olive oil. A typical serving offers around 300-400 calories, along with significant iron, folate, and manganese.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbs | 34 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 9 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Potassium | 600 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Folate | 180 mcg |
| Magnesium | 80 mg |
| Phosphorus | 160 mg |
| Zinc | 1.8 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.2 mg |
| Manganese | 1.0 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Often called Egypt's national dish, Ful Medames has been eaten for centuries, with evidence of its consumption dating back to ancient times. Its simple, hearty preparation makes it a nutritious, affordable, and unifying food enjoyed across social classes.
