Let me tell you the story behind it. One of our relative from Sudan used to make a dish called Ful Medames (I didn’t know the original name, My cousin told me a few days ago), an ancient Egyptian dish. In Ful Medames, fava beans are used as the main ingredient. This is one of the favorite dish in our family for years. As Fava beans were not easily available in India years back, it was replaced by Rajma / Kidney Beans and we have been enjoying this dish since ages.
Here is what I believe, because the word Ful Medames is not easy to pronounce and not everyone is familiar with the meaning of it, it gradually changed from Ful Medames to Fulesh in our family. Believe me, it doesn’t matter what you call this dish is but you will fall in love with it once you have it. Its full meal with a variety of nutrition and can be eaten any time be it breakfast, lunch or dinner. The cooking process is very easy and simple. Saute tomatoes and onion, add rajma/kidney beans and some very basic spices and let it simmer for a while. Then toss it in cabbage or lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers. And have it with a slice of bread or Pav buns.
How to make Fulesh?
Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds, let it crackle. Add tomatoes and onions. Saute it for 4 to 5 minutes over low to medium heat.
Add Rajma/kidney beans. Add 4 cups of water. Let it comes to a boil. Add salt, turmeric powder, chili powder and cumin, and coriander powder. Stir well. Simmer it for 10 minutes over medium heat. The gravy of this should be neither thick nor watery. If its watery mesh some rajma and let it simmer for some more time. If it is thick then add some more water and cook it for 4 to5 minutes. Add Lemon Juice.
Fulesh is ready.
At the time of serving, Take a ladle full of prepared Fulesh in a serving plate. Add cucumber, tomatoes, onion (Skip this if you are making Jain) and cabbage or lettuce. Serve this yummy dish with some bread or pav buns.
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