Moroccan Fava Bean Dip Or Soup-Bessara Recipe

Bessara is a humble but delicious moroccan dish of pureed beans which can be found as street food and homemade comfort food. Made from either dried split peas or dried fava beans (ful in arabic), it's seasoned to taste with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil and presented in pureed form with cumin, paprika, and sometimes olive oil and harissa on the side as condiments. The puree may be offered in thinner form as a soup or porridge or left as a thicker puree which can be eaten as a dip. In both cases, crusty moroccan bread is served on the side for dunking or scooping. Traditionally, bessara is enjoyed warm from a heated communal dish, but it may also be offered in individual bowls or deep plates. Garnish with additional cumin, paprika, salt, olive oil, harissa, chopped parsley or cilantro, or simply have a selection of these condiments available on the side. Plan ahead as you'll need to allow all day or overnight soaking of the dried fava beans. You can enjoy bessara at any time of the day, but it's especially popular as breakfast or evening fare.