Shahan ful
Shahan ful (also called ful or fūl) is a traditional dish from Sudan and the Horn of Africa made from slow-cooked fava beans mashed into a thick, savoury paste. It is commonly eaten in Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea, and Ethiopia, especially for breakfast, where it is served alongside tea, coffee, or fresh vegetables, and eaten by scooping the mixture with a flatbread such as injera.
- Time
- 45 minutes
- Servings
- 4
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried fava beans (or canned fava beans)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1–2 green chilies, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon berbere spice (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or niter kibbeh
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Yogurt or feta cheese for serving (optional)
- Fresh coriander or parsley (optional)
- Bread rolls or flatbread for serving
Method
- Wash and soak the dried fava beans overnight.
- Drain the beans and place them in a large pot with fresh water.
- Simmer over low heat until the beans become soft and tender. Add more water if necessary.
- Mash the cooked beans into a coarse paste using a spoon or potato masher.
- In another pan, heat the olive oil or niter kibbeh over medium heat.
- Add the onions and cook until soft.
- Stir in the garlic, tomatoes, chilies, cumin, and berbere spice.
- Cook for several minutes until fragrant.
- Add the mashed beans and stir well.
- Season with lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer for a few minutes until thick.
- Serve hot with yogurt, feta cheese, or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Soaking the beans overnight reduces cooking time.
- Slow cooking improves flavour and texture.
- Olive oil adds richness and aroma.
- Canned fava beans can be used for faster preparation.
- Extra chili peppers may be added for a spicier dish.
Equipment
- Cooking pot
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Bowl