Yemeni Ful (Fava Bean Stew)

Ful (or Fava Beans) is one of my favorite Yemeni staples that graces breakfast and dinner spreads across Yemen. This Yemeni ful recipe is not only simple to prepare but also incredibly delicious! Ful is traditionally served in a hot madara or magla (Yemeni clay or stone dish)! It is eaten with tanoor bread or pita bread! This recipe is so easy and flavorful! There are different variations to its preparation and today I’ll be showing you how I love to make it!

Why You’ll Love This Yemeni Ful Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Perfect for a comforting and cozy breakfast/dinner!
  • Meal-Prep Friendly: This recipe is perfect to prep in advance for busy mornings!
  • Healthy and Filling: Full of protein!
  • Bursting with Flavor: A blend of spices and fresh herbs that will delight your taste buds!
close up photo of ful in a madara or magla garnished with tahini, fresh cilantro, diced onions, and olive oil. Also served with tanoor bread.

Here’s what You’ll Need to Make Yemeni Ful

This recipe requires just a handful of ingredients!

  • Canned Fava Beans
  • Diced onions
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Thai Chili Peppers
  • Garlic
  • Fresh Cilantro
  • Cumin
  • Coriander
  • Black Pepper
  • Salt
  • Water
  • Vegetable Oil
Overview photo of the ingredients used to make ful. It includes a bowl of fava bean with all the other ingredients layed out (such as, cumin, coriander, black pepper, salt, fresh cilantro, thai chilis, garlic clove,  diced onions, and diced tomatoes).

For Garnish (optional)

  • Ghee or Olive Oil
  • Tahini
  • Diced Onions
  • Fresh Chopped Cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fava Beans

Start by preparing the canned fava beans. Make sure you choose plain canned fava beans, not the pre-spiced varieties or those in a pre-made sauce. Drain and rinse the beans. Then, place them in a blender along with fresh cilantro, green Thai Chilis (if you like a bit of heat), and a splash of water. Blend until smooth, and set aside.

Note: If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can mash the drained fava beans instead of blending them. Place the rinsed beans in a bowl and use a fork or potato masher to mash them to your desired consistency. You can also add a splash of water while mashing to help achieve the right texture.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

In a saucepan over medium-low heat, add a drizzle of vegetable oil. Saute the diced onions until they soften and begin to develop a light golden color. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes and Garlic

Add the diced tomatoes and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for a couple minutes until the tomatoes soften and break down.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Paste

Stir in the tomato paste and saute for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Mix in the Blended Fava Beans

Add the blended fava beans mixture into the pan, combining it well with the onion-tomato base. Stir until everything is well incorporated.

Step 6: Season and Adjust

Season the mixture with cumin, ground coriander, black pepper, and salt. Stir well and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the spices infuse. If the consistency seems too thick, add a little water to adjust. You want your ful to be just right – not too thin or too thick!

Step 7: Simmer

Allow the mixture to simmer on low for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors deepen. Make sure to stir occasionally. At this stage if you feel that the ful is still too thick, you can also add more water.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Serve the ful hot in a madara or magla, or in a serving dish alongside tanoor bread of pita bread. Finish with a drizzle of ghee or olive oil, and don’t hesitate to add tahini and diced onions for a fresh touch!

See the recipe card below for the exact measurements!

And there you have it, Yemeni ful! Simple, yet so delicious and flavorful!

overview photo of ful in a madara or magla garnished with tahini, fresh cilantro, diced onions, and olive oil. Also served with tanoor bread.

Yemeni ful is more than just a dish; it’s a comforting reminder of home and tradition. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or dinner, this flavorful fava bean recipe brings warmth to any table. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this staple with your family and friends!

I’d love to see you make this recipe! Be sure to tag me in your recreations @Sufratee on Instagram. Let me know in the comments what you think about this recipe!

Yemeni Ful (Fava Bean Stew)

Recipe by Sana AhmedCourse: BreakfastDifficulty: Easy
Servings

3

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes

This Yemeni ful recipe is a must try! It’s a hearty fava bean stew with aromatic spices. Best served warm with fresh bread tanoor bread or pita bread!

Ingredients

  • 1 14 oz. can of fava beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1/2 cup diced onions

  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • 3 green Thai chili peppers (optional)

  • 6 sprigs of cilantro

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

  • 1 cup water, or as needed

  • Garnish
  • ghee or olive oil, as desired

  • finely diced onions, as desired

  • tahini, as desired

Directions

  • In a blender, combine drained fava beans, sprigs of cilantro, thai chilis, and 3/4 cup of water. Blend until smooth and set aside.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add diced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes or until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in diced tomatoes and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until tomatoes start to break down, stirring occasionally.
  • Mix in tomato paste and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Add the blended fava bean mixture to the saucepan. Stir well to combine. Then add 1/4 cup water, and mix until combined.
  • Season with cumin, coriander, black pepper, and salt. Simmer on low for 4-5 minutes to let the flavors deepen. Stirring occasionally. At this stage if you feel that the ful is still too thick, you can also add more water.
  • Transfer to a magla/madara or a bowl.
  • Garnish with finely diced onions, chopped cilantro, and drizzle of tahini and ghee or olive oil. Serve hot with tanoor bread or pita bread.

4 responses to “Yemeni Ful (Fava Bean Stew)”

  1. Amazing !

  2. This recipe looks very delicious thank you for sharing!!

  3. […] the answer. It’s not a traditional Yemeni recipe by any stretch, but it’s inspired by Yemeni Ful, the famous fava bean stew. The result? A creamy, spiced stew that’s easy to throw together, […]

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