Bissara Lentils
Bissara Lentils is a traditional Moroccan dish that combines the earthy flavors of split fava beans with aromatic spices, creating a comforting and nutritious midnight meal. This hearty dish is perfect for late-night cravings, offering a delightful balance of protein and flavor.

60 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Moroccan
350 kcal
Ingredients
- Dried fava beans - 200 grams
- Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
- Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
- Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
- Ground coriander - 1 teaspoon
- Paprika - 1 teaspoon
- Salt - 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
- Water - 1.5 liters
- Lemon - 1, juiced
- Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Chili flakes - 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Steps
- Rinse the dried fava beans under cold water and soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Drain and rinse the soaked fava beans, then place them in a large pot with 1.5 liters of fresh water.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the beans are soft.
- Once cooked, drain the beans and set aside a small portion for garnish if desired.
- In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes (if using) to the pot, stirring to combine.
- Return the cooked fava beans to the pot and mash them slightly with a fork or potato masher, mixing them with the spices.
- Gradually add a bit of water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency, cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley.
- Serve warm, garnished with the reserved fava beans and a drizzle of olive oil.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 50 g
- Fiber: 15 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Total Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Water: 0.5 L
Health Benefits
- High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
- Rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
Tags
MoroccanHigh ProteinMidnight