Fava Bean Bissara
This traditional Moroccan fava bean dip or soup is simple yet incredibly flavorful. Dried fava beans are cooked until tender, then blended with garlic and spices to create a creamy, comforting dish. It's often served as a side or a light meal with crusty bread.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 55 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 124 kcal
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 250 gdried fava bean, split and peeled
- 4 clovegarlic, minced
- 1 tspcumin
- 0.5 tsppaprika
- 0.5 tspsalt
- 1 lwater
for serving
- 2 tbspolive oil
- 0.5 tspred pepper flake(optional)
Equipment
ladle · large pot · immersion blender
The method
Step by step
- 1
Rinse the dried fava beans thoroughly under cold water.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: No need to soak split and peeled fava beans, but a good rinse removes any dust.
- 2
Place the rinsed fava beans in a large pot and add the water.
- 3
Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the fava beans are very tender and easily mashable.
About 45 min
Cook’s note: Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during the initial boiling.
- 4
Add the minced garlic, cumin, paprika, and salt to the pot and stir well.
About 1 min
- 5
Use an immersion blender to blend the fava bean mixture directly in the pot until smooth and creamy, adding a little more hot water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Alternatively, carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- 6
Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
- 7
Serve the bissara hot in shallow bowls, drizzled generously with olive oil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
Cook’s note: Bissara is traditionally served with crusty bread for dipping.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 124.3kcal
- Protein
- 4.8g
- Carbs
- 11.9g
- Fat
- 7.3g
- Fibre
- 3.4g
- Sugar
- 1.2g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover bissara in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much, or in the microwave.
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