Egyptian Ful

This is a comforting Egyptian-inspired breakfast that’s hearty, creamy, and full of flavour. Perfect with warm flatbread or sourdough, and satisfying any time of day.

Ingredients:

• Pinch cumin seeds

• 1 teaspoon Coconut oil

• 4 garlic cloves sliced

• Tin of cannellini beans

• 2 tablespoons of tahini 

Method:

1. Toast your cumin for a few minutes until fragrant.

2. Add oil, then fry the garlic until almost golden.

3. Add the beans and their water, then add the tahini, stirring gently but vigorously until the tahini forms a thick, creamy texture.

4. As soon as it begins to boil, the tahini is emulsified.

5. Remove from heat and serve.

This is a versatile dish. You can add all kinds of vegetables to it if you desire, such as pan-fried aubergine, or, as in the photo, one baby leek.

• Goes with anything, but best with a good sourdough toast, great to eat anytime, but best with a big breakfast fry-up instead of traditional baked beans.

• As with all Middle Eastern food, it levels up with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, fresh chillies, and a generous amount of chopped herbs such as coriander and basil. 

About the Cook - Lisa Cloete

Meet Lisa Cloete, a climate and social justice advocate, creative storyteller, and long-time vegan based on South Africa’s Eastern Cape coastline. Now in her mid-40s, she describes her eight-year vegan journey as one of the most profoundly transformative experiences of her life.

Her work sits at the intersection of climate action and social justice, where she is committed to advancing equity, sustainability, and community-centred change. Beyond her professional role, her passion lies in creating and storytelling, expressed through art-making, writing, and food-making. Through these activities, she fosters connections with people in her community and the planet.

Living in a wild (yet gentle) stretch of the South African coast with her small family of cats and dogs, she finds inspiration in nature. Surfing, hiking, community engagement, and personal creative projects are integral to both her life and her work.