Moroccan Bessara: Hearty Fava Bean Soup or Dip Recipe

Moroccan Bessara: Hearty Fava Bean Soup or Dip for Every Meal

Bessara (or Bissara) is a traditional Moroccan dish made from dried fava beans, often enjoyed as a comforting soup or a thick dip. It’s flavorful, nutritious, and perfect for any occasion!

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Ingredients

• 2 cups dried fava beans (soaked overnight)
• 4 cups water or vegetable broth
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Olive oil for drizzling (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Fava Beans:
   • Drain the soaked fava beans and rinse them well.
   • In a large pot, add the fava beans and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 1–1.5 hours, or until the beans are soft and tender. Skim off any foam that forms on top while cooking.
2. Blend the Soup:
   • Once the beans are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot, or transfer the mixture to a blender in batches. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more water or broth to achieve your desired consistency.
3. Add the Spices:
   • Stir in the minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with a little extra olive oil, and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh burst of flavor.
   • If serving as a dip, allow the soup to thicken slightly, and serve with warm pita bread or crusty bread for dipping.

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Tips:

• For extra richness, you can add a splash of olive oil just before serving.
• If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest as is.
• Bessara is often enjoyed as a light meal on its own or served as a side dish with Moroccan flatbread.

Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this classic Moroccan recipe!