Bissara Recipes

BISSARA

Steps:

• Fry garlic in the vegetable oil in a large pot over low heat until lightly browned. Pour in water and olive oil; stir in split peas, parsley, chili pepper, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 55 minutes, stirring occasionally so that the peas do not stick to the bottom of the pot. When the peas are tender, mash them with a wooden spoon until smooth; stir in additional water to reach desired consistency.

BISSARA (FAVA BEAN PUREE)

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.

BISSARA

Steps:

• Place crushed beans, garlic, dill, parsley, coriander and 2 onions on heat with plenty of water.
• Boil until well cooked, about 60-90 minutes.
• Press in juice extractor or whirl in blender, then pass through a fine wire sieve
• Return to heat add cumin, mint, salt, optional, and cook for a further 7-10 minutes.
• Slice remaining onion very thinly and fry to a golden brown color.
• Remove the onions, strain the oil into the bissara and pour into a shallow serving dish.
• Decorate with the fried onion.

BESSARA (DRIED FAVA BEAN SOUP)

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.