Tunisian Fava Beans

Nutriscore Rating: 83/100

Experience the bold, earthy flavors of North Africa with this comforting Tunisian Fava Beans recipe, a traditional dish known as "Bissara" in its homeland. This hearty, protein-packed puree features nutty dried fava beans simmered to tender perfection with whole garlic cloves, then blended into a luscious, creamy texture. Infused with aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, and a hint of optional chili for warmth, this dish is elevated with a drizzle of silky olive oil, bright lemon juice, and fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. Easy to prepare yet bursting with depth, this vegan and gluten-free recipe is perfect as a dip with warm pita bread or a nourishing side to your favorite meal. Whether you're exploring Tunisian cuisine or seeking a new, flavorful way to enjoy legumes, this satisfying dish is sure to impress.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: N/A
• Total Time: 10 min
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

11 items

• 2 cups dried fava beans
• 6 cups water
• 4 whole garlic cloves
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 0.5 teaspoons ground chili (optional)

📝 Instructions

8 steps

1. Rinse the dried fava beans thoroughly under cold water. If the beans are still in their shells, soak them overnight and then peel off the tough outer skins.

2. Place the prepared fava beans in a large pot and add the 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

3. Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, skim off any foam, and cover the pot partially. Allow the beans to simmer for about 45–50 minutes, or until soft and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking.

4. Once the beans have softened, add the garlic cloves and let them cook with the beans for an additional 10 minutes.

5. Using an immersion blender or a potato masher, puree the cooked beans and garlic directly in the pot until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. If the mixture is too thick, add a little hot water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

6. Stir in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional chili powder. Mix well and let the flavors meld together over low heat for 5 additional minutes.

7. Remove the pot from heat, taste, and adjust the seasoning with more salt, spice, or lemon juice as desired.

8. Serve warm, topped with a drizzle of the remaining olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and an extra dash of paprika. Accompany with warm pita bread or crusty French bread for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (486.0g)

Calories		444
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		12.2 g	16%
	Saturated Fat	1.9 g	10%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.0 g
Cholesterol		0 mg	0%
Sodium		518 mg	23%
Total Carbohydrate		61.2 g	22%
	Dietary Fiber	25.8 g	92%
	Total Sugars	2.4 g
Protein		26.7 g	53%
Vitamin D		0.0 mcg	0%
Calcium		160 mg	12%
Iron		7.8 mg	43%
Potassium		1126 mg	24%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 434 cal (23.6%%)

Protein: 428 cal (23.2%%)

Carbs: 978 cal (53.1%%)