Foul Mdammas (Fava Beans)

Foul mdammas refers to dried fava beans, the small brown beans used to make the dish of the same name, a breakfast staple across Lebanon and the wider region. The beans are usually soaked overnight, then simmered slowly until soft. They are then lightly mashed and dressed with lemon juice, garlic, olive oil and cumin, and are often served with bread, tomatoes, mint and other vegetables on the side. Cooked beans can also be added to salads and stews, or served with chickpeas or tahini. At Dekenet Al Nes, a package-free grocery store in Baaqline in the Chouf, foul mdammas is sold by the kilo without packaging. Customers are encouraged to bring their own containers and take just the amount they need, which helps cut plastic waste and single-use packaging.