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Moroccan Bissara Soup

Moroccan Bissara Soup with Fava Beans

Moroccan Bissara Soup with fava beans is a creamy, comforting classic flavored with garlic, cumin, and olive oil—perfect with warm bread for dipping.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Moroccan
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Bissara Soup
  • 2 cups dried split fava beans rinsed
  • 5 cups water
  • 4 cloves garlic peeled
  • 1 tsp ground cumin plus more for garnish
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
  • black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Medium pot
  • Immersion Blender (or Countertop Blender)
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula

Method
 

  1. Add the dried split fava beans, water, and garlic to a medium pot.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the beans are very soft.
  3. Remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender until smooth and creamy (or carefully blend in batches in a countertop blender).
  4. Stir in cumin, paprika, salt, cayenne (if using), and olive oil.
  5. Return to low heat for 5 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking. Adjust thickness with a splash of water if needed.
  6. Serve hot, drizzled with extra olive oil and finished with a pinch of cumin and black pepper.

Notes

For a more traditional finish, drizzle generously with olive oil and dust with cumin. Serve with warm Moroccan bread for dipping. If the soup thickens too much after cooling, reheat gently with a little water.