Ful Medames

Ingredients

• 1 lb small Egyptian dried fava beans, soaked overnight
• 3 lemons, juice of
• 1 head garlic, halved
• salt
• 1 bunch scallion, trimmed
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• fresh ground black pepper

Directions

1. 1

   Drain the beans and place in a large saucepan.

2. 2

   Add 7 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

3. 3

   Reduce the heat to low and add the juice of 1 lemon, the garlic and the salt.

4. 4

   Cover and simmer over low heat (the beans will retain their shape only if cooked slowly) until the beans are soft-- moist but not soupy-- about 12 hours.

5. 5

   You should do this ideally in the crockpot.

6. 6

   Check occasionally and add water if the beans become dry.

7. 7

   20 minutes before serving, chop the scallions and combine with the remaining lemon juice.

8. 8

   Stir in the oil, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.

9. 9

   Discard the garlic and gently stir the lemon mixture into the beans.

10. 10

    Adjust seasoning.

11. 11

    Spoon into bowls, mash slightly.

12. 12

    Serve warm with pita bread.