Bissara is a flavorful and hearty fava bean puree that has been enjoyed in North Africa for centuries. It is a simple yet satisfying dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Made with dried fava beans, garlic, cumin, paprika, and olive oil, bissara is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. The puree is traditionally served with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of cumin, but it can also be enjoyed with bread, vegetables, or meat. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with two delicious recipes for bissara: a traditional Moroccan version and a modern twist with roasted red peppers. Both recipes are easy to follow and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So gather your ingredients and let's embark on a culinary journey to discover the delights of bissara.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
BISSARA (FAVA BEAN PUREE)
This is my quick version of a recipe from International Vegetarian. Bissara is a Moroccan dip that is similar in its presentation (but not taste) to the more common hummus. Enjoy this with pita bread (fresh or toasted) or cut up vegetables. Traditionally, this is served with a generous drizzle of olive oil on top of the prepared spread both for flavor and to act as a preservative. Though I never do, you are free to so.
Provided by justcallmetoni
Categories Beans
Time 25m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Thoroughly rinse and drain the fava beans.
- In a large skillet heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for a minute. Add fava beans, vegetable broth, ¼ teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon of cayenne. Cook three to five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are warmed. Begin to mash the beans by hand or with a masher. You are looking for a consistency that is not solid but thick enough to be scooped up using bread. If it seems too thick, thin with additional broth or water.
- Mix remaining spices together and reserve.
- To serve, place Bissara into a shallow soup bowl or dessrt plate with a high lip. Sprinkle ¼ of the mixed spices. Drizzle additional oil on top. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
- Serve warm or hot.
BESSARA (DRIED FAVA BEAN SOUP)
Provided by Molly O'Neill
Categories weekday, soups and stews, appetizer, side dish
Time 4h45m
Yield Six servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Soak the beans in water for 2 hours, drain and put in a pot with 2 quarts of cold water. Bring to a boil, skim and simmer, covered, for 2 hours, until the beans are very soft. Add the salt and mash the beans by hand or, for a smoother texture, puree in a blender and return to the pot.
- Fry the garlic in 2 tablespoons of the olive oil until golden, about 3 minutes. Add the paprika, cumin, turmeric and cayenne. Add to the soup and simmer for 30 minutes longer, adding water if the soup becomes too thick. Just before serving, stir in the lemon juice and the coriander. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 216, UnsaturatedFat 13 grams, Carbohydrate 20 grams, Fat 15 grams, Fiber 9 grams, Protein 7 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 274 milligrams, Sugar 8 grams, TransFat 0 grams
MINTED BROAD / FAVA BEAN PUREE
Since I have been back in NZ I have had the chance to go through my old Cuisine magazines. There are some fantastic recipes in them, this is based on one by Julie Biuso. Great with bread and cheeses/meats.
Provided by LilKiwiChicken
Categories Spreads
Time 30m
Yield 2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Remove beans from pods.
- Put into pot of boiling water, return to the boil & cook until tender (approx 8-10 mins for fresh, 3-5 for frozen from when the water begins boiling again).
- Drain & run under cold water.
- Remove the skins (this does not taste as good if you leave them on, so is worth the effort).
- Put the beans, lemon juice & salt to taste in a blender/food processor.
- Pulse until smooth, then add the olive oil, mint & pepper.
- Pulse again, then put into a serving bowl. If it seems too stiff add a bit more oil.
- Cover and refrigerate until used (remove from the fridge approx 1/2 an hour before serving to remove the chill).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 332.7, Fat 17.5, SaturatedFat 2.4, Sodium 1135.1, Carbohydrate 32.6, Fiber 9.8, Sugar 0.3, Protein 13.9
FAVA BEAN PURéE
You find variations on this fava bean purée in Southern Italy, the Middle East and Morocco. This one, from Apulia, is the simplest. The purée should have the texture of hummus.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories easy, quick, condiments, appetizer
Time 30m
Yield Eight servings
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with ice water. Drop the shelled fava beans in the water, and boil five minutes (if the beans are small or medium-size) to eight minutes (if the beans are large). Transfer the beans immediately to the cold water. Do not drain the water in the pot. Allow the beans to cool for several minutes, then drain and slip off their skins.
- Place the skinned fava beans, salt and mashed garlic in a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Turn on the machine, and with the machine running, add the olive oil in a slow stream. Process until you achieve a smooth purée. If necessary, add enough of the cooking water to give the purée a soft, hummuslike consistency. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, taste and adjust seasoning.
- Mound the purée onto an earthenware platter or in a wide bowl. Garnish with olives, and serve with crostini or warm triangles of pita bread.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 300, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 40 grams, Fat 13 grams, Fiber 17 grams, Protein 18 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 348 milligrams, Sugar 21 grams
Tips:
- Soak the fava beans overnight or for at least 8 hours to soften them.
- Use a pressure cooker to speed up the cooking process. If you don't have a pressure cooker, you can also cook the fava beans in a regular pot over medium heat for about 1 hour, or until they are tender.
- Add plenty of garlic and cumin to the soup for a flavorful base. You can also add other spices, such as paprika, chili powder, or cayenne pepper, to taste.
- Serve the soup with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley.
- Bissara can be made ahead of time and reheated when you're ready to serve it.
Conclusion:
Bissara is a delicious and nutritious soup that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. It is also a great way to use up leftover fava beans. With its simple ingredients and flavorful taste, bissara is a dish that everyone will enjoy.
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