Ful Medames (split fava puree)

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried split fava beans, soaked overnight
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Toppings: cilantro leaves, chopped tomato, olive oil, plain yogurt

Directions

Lace the beans in a pot with water to cover by an inch or two. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat until it’s just high enough to maintain a simmer, and cook until the beans are totally soft, 30-40 minutes. Halfway through, add the tomato paste and garlic cloves.

When the beans are cooked through, drain off the excess water, and transfer to a blender or food processor. Add the cumin and lemon juice, and a bit of salt, and process until smooth. Taste and adjust flavors feel free to doctor it up to your taste (and keep in mind the lemon will fade upon standing).

Transfer the ful into a bowl (i like to create a bit of a depression, so as to better contain what’s coming next), and top with any or all of the toppings. Scoop up with wedges of pita bread.