Vegetarian > Middle Eastern > Moroccan

Bissara with Chickpeas and Spinach Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups dried fava beans, soaked overnight
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon

Special equipment needed:
- Blender or food processor

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Drain and rinse the soaked fava beans and add them to a large pot with the chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
3. In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sauté until wilted.
4. Add the sautéed spinach and drained chickpeas to the pot with the cooked fava beans.
5. Using a blender or food processor, blend the mixture until smooth.
6. Return the mixture to the pot and stir in the lemon juice.
7. Serve hot.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes (plus overnight soaking time for fava beans)
- Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
- Simmer on low heat
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Protein: 16g
- Fiber: 16g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Dried chickpeas can be used instead of canned.
- Kale or Swiss chard can be used instead of spinach.
- Chicken or beef broth can be used instead of vegetable broth.

Variations:
- Add diced tomatoes or red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
- Top with croutons or chopped fresh herbs for added texture and flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to soak the fava beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly.
- Use a high-powered blender or food processor to ensure a smooth consistency.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve in individual bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika on top.

Garnishes:
- Croutons, chopped fresh herbs, or a dollop of plain yogurt.

Pairings:
- Serve with crusty bread or pita for dipping.

Suggested side dishes:
- A side salad or roasted vegetables would pair well with this dish.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mixture is too thick, add more vegetable broth or water to thin it out.

Food safety advice:
- Be sure to soak the fava beans overnight to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.

Food history:
- Bissara is a traditional Moroccan soup made with fava beans and spices.

Flavor profiles:
- Earthy, savory, and slightly tangy from the lemon juice.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish or as a starter soup.

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Region: Moroccan

Taste: Savory, Spicy, Herby, Tangy, Earthy