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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Lifestyle
Meera Sodha

Meera Sodha’s vegetarian recipe for kacang pool, or Malaysian bean stew

Bowls of Meera Sodha's kacang pool lentil stew topped with fried eggs, onions, and chillies, served with flatbread
Meera Sodha’s kacang pool, or Malaysian bean stew. Photograph: Louise Hagger/The Guardian. Food styling: Emily Kydd. Prop styling: Jennifer Kay. Food styling assistant: Mandy Thompson.

This is a dish with roots in ancient Egypt. There, it started life as ful medames, the famous fava bean dish lightly seasoned with cumin, garlic and lemon. Then it was, reportedly, brought to Johor in Malaysia by Arab traders. It has since been adopted and adapted with a fierce sort of love, plus more spice and a tin of baked beans. I adore it. It’s a very delicious dinner and a triumphant blend of two cuisines.

Kacang pool

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