Breakfast Ful Medames (Fava Bean Stew)

Breakfast Ful Medames is a hearty, spiced fava bean stew that originated in Egypt but became a beloved morning staple in Saudi Arabia, especially in Jeddah and the Hijaz region. Traditionally, it’s made by slow-cooking dried fava beans overnight, seasoned with garlic, lemon, olive oil, and spices, then served with flatbread. Its warm, earthy flavors make it a comforting and filling start to the day.

A popular story in Riyadh tells of early morning market vendors who gathered before dawn for a hot bowl of ful to prepare for long, bustling days ahead. The proverb often shared over steaming bowls is: “A warm meal in the morning strengthens the heart all day.” At Munch Classes, you’ll learn how to build flavors in simple stews, balance seasonings, and master Middle Eastern breakfast classics from your own kitchen.