The description of something called bessara was printed underneath, and I immediately thought, “NOT HUMMUS? Put beans in pot with garlic and cover with water. Recently, in the famous blue city of Chefchaouen, I ran into the best Bissara soup I’ve ever tasted. But hummus in particular has always held a very special place in my heart. Executive chef and co-founder Moustafa Elrefaey told me he decided to “revisit the traditional recipe with an updated flavor profile so that patrons wouldn’t have to reckon with the raw bean aftertaste.”, Elrefaey, who actually grew up enjoying generations-old family recipes for both hummus and bessara, said he “personally prefers bessara” not only because it’s native to his birthplace, but because he finds the dip “lighter and more flavorful.”. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add the reserved liquid to thin it out, 1 tablespoon as a time, as you like. Traditionally it is served warm with bread. All rights reserved. If you’re feeling fatigued and exhausted all the time, you may be low in this mineral. Bissara is sometimes prepared using split peas or chickpeas. Bring to a boil, skim and simmer, covered, for 2 hours, until the beans are very soft. I definitely consider myself more than an average fan of hummus. I used to saute onion and garlic first then add the rest of the ingredients and boil until beans are tender. Melt and stir together the beans, cream cheese, and salsa until smooth and creamy. 1 cup provides a hefty 13 grams of protein, 9 grams of fiber (36% of the recommended DV), and a decent amount of vitamins and minerals, including 44% DV of folate, 14% DV of iron and 18% DV of magnesium. Bissara is a popular Moroccan soup prepared with dried and peeled fava beans. Add drained favas, garlic cloves, vegetable oil and about 3 cups of water. After pressing the cashier, who referred me to the manager for further explanation, I learned that bessara is considered “classic Egyptian street food” and that in Cairo, where Zooba’s owners are originally from, as well as throughout North Africa, the dish is a popular appetizer at fast-casual restaurants, falafel spots and grill restaurants ― much like hummus, which is a staple at similar establishments across the Middle East, Europe and here in the U.S. Aside from its pureed fava bean foundation, the bessara variation on Zooba’s menu owes its signature bright-green tint to fresh cilantro and parsley. Top with more olive oil while serving with a dash of paprika. In Morocco, bessara is served with bread. Stir in 3 tsp cumin then add the beans and water. Once beans begin to soften, add the salt and cumin. Soak beans overnight in cold water; Drain beans. Though my commitment to hummus may not extend as far as teeth-cleaning or hairstyling like Adam Sandler’s character in ”Don’t Mess With The Zohan,” my love of the creamy Middle Eastern spread definitely runs deep. How is Bessara Eaten? Equally velvet-like but thinner in consistency, the taste of bessara is something altogether different from hummus. This Egyptian street food will awaken your palate, and is just the remedy if you're sick of the same old store-bought dips. In Morocco, bessara is served with bread. Bessara is like the Moroccan version of hummus…and it’s just as delicious and addictive. Directions 1. Add 2 litres of water or just add enough to completely submerge your beans/peas. So what does that mean? Bissara – Split peas and fava beans dip INGREDIENTS Serves 4. Add your dry fava beans and split peas to a large pot. Add water, fava beans, garlic cloves and onion to a stock pot and cook on medium heat until beans are fully cooked. Discovering unique incarnations of it and finding new twists on recipes to whip up at home are the stuff dreams are made of, in my book. Asian Beef Bowl with Cauliflower "Fried" Rice, My Breakfast Obsession: Amaranth Porridge, Vitamin A for Acne: Why It's Essential For Clear Skin (Plus Recipes), Ginger Veggie Spring Rolls with Lemon Tahini, Roasted Rainbow Veggie Bowl with Sunflower Seed Dressing. Bessara is a traditional Moroccan winter soup. If you like hummus, you’ll definitely love this bessara recipe. It will take you to your grandmothers dinner table. Your browser must have Javascript support enabled to leave comments. Bessara or Bissara is a vegan recipe made with boiling split beans, onion, garlic and fresh herbs. 1. Try this easy roasted rainbow veggie bowl recipe. My staunch loyalty to hummus was never called into question until the COVID-19 lockdown and my subsequent need for extended power walks. 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