Fuul Mudammas (Stewed Fava Beans) Recipe — The Ultimate Suhoor Dish
Slow-simmered fava beans mashed with garlic, lemon, olive oil, and warm cumin — fuul mudammas is the hearty, protein-packed suhoor staple that keeps you fueled through the fast.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- Canned fava beans 2 cups
- Tomato 1 medium
- Garlic cloves 2 pieces
- Lemon (juiced) 0.5 piece
Seasonings/Sauce
- Olive oil 2 tbsp
- Cumin powder 1 tsp
- Salt 0.5 tsp
- Black pepper 0.25 tsp
- Chopped parsley (for garnish) 2 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates
48 g
62%
Protein
15 g
19%
Fat
7 g
19%
Cooking steps
-
1
Drain and rinse the canned fava beans, then place them in a medium saucepan with 1/2 cup water over medium heat. Heat until gently simmering, about 5 minutes.
-
2
Mash the beans with a potato masher or the back of a spoon to desired smoothness, keeping some beans partly whole for traditional texture.
-
3
Add chopped tomato and minced garlic to the beans. Simmer for another 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomato softens and garlic loses its raw edge.
-
4
Stir in the cumin powder, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5 more minutes to allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
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5
Remove from heat. Drizzle the lemon juice and olive oil over the hot beans, then mix gently. Spoon into bowls and garnish generously with chopped parsley. Serve warm with pita bread or fresh vegetables.
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6
Tradition tip: Fuul mudammas is customarily shared family-style at suhoor, ensuring lasting energy for the fasting day ahead.
Personalized Q&A
Q. Why is this recipe popular for Ramadan suhoor?
Fuul mudammas is cherished during Ramadan suhoor because its slow-digesting fava beans offer lasting energy and fullness for the fasting day. The dish’s balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber makes it an authentic and nutritious mainstay in Middle Eastern households when preparing for dawn.
Q. How can I avoid my fuul mudammas becoming too dry?
To prevent dryness, add water to the fava beans as they simmer and mash them only partially, retaining some of their creamy texture. Be sure to finish with olive oil and lemon juice, as described in the recipe steps, for additional moisture and flavor.
Q. Can I make fuul mudammas in advance for suhoor?
Yes, fuul mudammas can be prepared a day ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop before suhoor. Add a splash of water to loosen, and garnish with fresh parsley, olive oil, and lemon juice just before serving.
Q. How many calories and what is the nutrition breakdown per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 310 kcal: 48g carbohydrate (62%), 15g protein (19%), and 7g fat (19%), making it a well-balanced option for suhoor during Ramadan.
Q. Can I use dried fava beans instead of canned?
Absolutely. You can soak dried fava beans overnight, then cook until tender before proceeding with the recipe. This method adds authenticity and depth to the flavor, though canned beans provide a quicker, convenient option for busy mornings.
