Which legume is used to make the Egyptian dish ful medames?

Fava beans are the legume used to make the Egyptian dish ful medames.

Ful medames consists of cooked fava beans seasoned with ingredients such as olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, chili, and salt. The beans may be lightly mashed or served whole, and common accompaniments include bread, onions, tomatoes, eggs, and pickles.

It is one of Egypt’s best-known everyday foods and is commonly eaten for breakfast. The dish is also popular elsewhere in the Middle East and North Africa, where local versions use different garnishes and serving styles. Its name is often shortened to ful.

Fava beans are sometimes called broad beans. They are not chickpeas, even though both legumes appear in Middle Eastern cuisine. Hummus is made from chickpeas, while ful medames is defined by the use of fava beans cooked until tender.