Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups dried fava beans, soaked overnight
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Special Equipment Needed:
- Blender or food processor
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Drain the soaked fava beans and rinse them thoroughly.
2. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until they are soft and fragrant.
3. Add the fava beans, cumin, paprika, salt, and water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the beans are very soft.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
5. Using a blender or food processor, puree the bean mixture until it is smooth and creamy.
6. Return the pureed mixture to the pot and add the chopped spinach. Stir well to combine.
7. Return the pot to the stove and heat the bissara over medium heat until it is hot and the spinach is wilted, about 10-15 minutes.
8. Serve hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes (plus overnight soaking time for the beans)
- Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
- Simmer over low heat for 45 minutes to an hour, then heat over medium heat until hot.
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 12g
- Fiber: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- If you can't find dried fava beans, you can use canned fava beans instead. Just be sure to rinse them well before using.
- If you don't have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach instead. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the bissara.
Variations:
- You can add other vegetables to the bissara, such as carrots or celery.
- For a spicier version, add a chopped chili pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Tips and Tricks:
- Be sure to rinse the soaked fava beans thoroughly before using them.
- If the bissara is too thick, you can add more water to thin it out.
- For a smoother texture, you can strain the pureed mixture through a fine mesh strainer before adding the spinach.
Storage Instructions:
- Store leftover bissara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat the bissara on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is hot.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the bissara in individual bowls, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika.
Garnishes:
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Sprinkle of paprika
Pairings:
- Serve the bissara with crusty bread or pita bread.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Hummus
- Baba ghanoush
- Tabbouleh salad
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the bissara is too thick, add more water to thin it out.
- If the bissara is too thin, let it simmer over low heat for a bit longer to thicken it up.
Food Safety Advice:
- Be sure to soak the dried fava beans overnight before using them.
- Store leftover bissara in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Food History:
- Bissara is a traditional Moroccan soup made from dried fava beans.
Flavor Profiles:
- Creamy, earthy, and slightly spicy.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the bissara as a starter or a main dish.
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Region: Moroccan