Pasta Bissara

Pasta Bissara is a delightful Moroccan dish that combines the comforting texture of pasta with a vibrant blend of spices and pureed fava beans, creating a creamy yet dairy-free experience. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, offering a taste of North African cuisine in every bite.

Ingredients

• Fava beans (dried) - 100 grams
• Pasta (small shape, e.g., ditalini or orzo) - 150 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Cumin powder - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Vegetable broth - 500 milliliters
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Lemon - 1, juiced

Steps

1. Soak the dried fava beans in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse before use.
2. In a pot, combine the soaked fava beans and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
3. While the beans are cooking, in a separate pot, bring water to boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Once the fava beans are tender, use an immersion blender to puree them until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the beans to a blender and blend until smooth, adding a little broth if necessary.
5. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Add the cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet, stirring well to combine with the garlic.
7. Pour the pureed fava beans into the skillet, mixing well with the spices. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring to heat through.
8. Add the cooked pasta to the fava bean mixture and stir until well combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.
9. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice just before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in plant-based protein from fava beans.
• High in fiber, promoting digestive health.

Tags