Pasta B'ssara

Pasta B'ssara is a vibrant and comforting vegetarian Moroccan dish that combines the rich flavors of fava beans and aromatic spices with pasta. This unique fusion creates a hearty meal that celebrates traditional Moroccan ingredients in a delightful way.

Ingredients

• Fava beans - 200 grams (dried, soaked overnight)
• Pasta (small shapes like ditalini or elbows) - 180 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves (minced)
• Cumin powder - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Vegetable broth - 500 ml
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish)
• Lemon - 1 (for juice and garnish)

Steps

1. Rinse and drain the soaked fava beans, then place them in a pot with the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 20 minutes until the beans are tender.
2. In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In the pot with the fava beans, add olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Using an immersion blender, blend the fava bean mixture until smooth, adding a little more broth if necessary to achieve a creamy consistency.
5. Fold the cooked pasta into the blended fava bean mixture, mixing well to combine. Allow it to heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 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 and fiber from fava beans, promoting digestive health.
• Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds from spices and olive oil.

Tags