Ful Medames

Directions

1. 1
   Drain the beans and place in a large saucepan.
2. 2
   Add 7 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. 3
   Reduce the heat to low and add the juice of 1 lemon, the garlic and the salt.
4. 4
   Cover and simmer over low heat (the beans will retain their shape only if cooked slowly) until the beans are soft-- moist but not soupy-- about 12 hours.
5. 5
   You should do this ideally in the crock pot.
6. 6
   Check occasionally and add water if the beans become dry.
7. 7
   Twenty minutes before serving, chop the scallions and combine with the remaining lemon juice.
8. 8
   Stir in the oil, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
9. 9
   Discard the garlic and gently stir the lemon mixture into the beans.
10. 10
    Adjust seasoning.
11. 11
    Spoon into bowls, mash slightly.
12. 12
    Serve warm with pita bread.