Healthy Bissara: Moroccan Fava Bean Soup with Olive Oil & Cumin

A simple, soul-warming classic — reimagined by Tasty ma4roc

Bissara (also spelled Bessara) is a humble yet iconic Moroccan dish, beloved for its simplicity, nutritional power, and rich flavor. Traditionally served as a warm breakfast or lunch in winter, this creamy fava bean soup is both comforting and deeply nourishing. In this healthy version, we keep the core ingredients — dried fava beans, olive oil, and cumin — and add a few modern touches for extra flavor and digestibility.

This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and high in plant-based protein and fiber, making it a smart choice for anyone pursuing a clean and wholesome lifestyle.

🍵 Why You’ll Love Bissara

✅ Warm, creamy, and deeply satisfying

✅ Naturally vegan and gluten-free
✅ High in protein and fiber
✅ Low in fat, full of flavor

✅ Budget-friendly and easy to prepare

🧾 Ingredients

Serves 4:

1 ½ cups dried fava beans (peeled, split or whole)

3–4 cups water or vegetable broth
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1–2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus more for garnish)

Optional: pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for heat
Fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley for serving

👩‍🍳 How to Make Healthy Bissara

Step 1: Soak the Fava Beans

Rinse the dried fava beans thoroughly. Soak overnight in plenty of water to reduce cooking time and improve digestion.

Step 2: Cook the Beans

Drain the soaked beans. In a large pot, combine with fresh water or broth. Add garlic, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer gently for 45–60 minutes until the beans are soft and falling apart.

Step 3: Blend and Season

Once the beans are tender, use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with water if needed.

Return to the heat, stir in olive oil, paprika, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve hot in bowls with a generous drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of cumin or chili
Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, or a spoon of harissa for spice
Best enjoyed with warm Moroccan bread like khobz or batbout

Also works well chilled as a dip, similar to hummus

🧠 Health Benefits

Fava beans are rich in protein, iron, fiber, and B-vitamins
Olive oil provides healthy fats and anti-inflammatory properties

Cumin and garlic support digestion and immune function
Low in calories, high in nutrients — great for weight management

💡 Tips for Success

🛒 For convenience, use frozen or canned fava beans, but rinse well

🔥 Add a touch of smoked paprika or turmeric for variation
🍋 A splash of lemon at the end enhances flavor and aids digestion
🧊 Leftovers can be frozen or enjoyed cold as a spread

Final Thoughts

Healthy Bissara is more than just a soup — it’s a taste of Moroccan heritage, reimagined for modern wellness. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy dinner, a nourishing lunch, or a flavorful dip, this dish proves that healthy can still be hearty and deeply flavorful.

Stay tuned to Tasty ma4roc for more clean and classic Moroccan recipes that warm the soul and fuel the body.