Bissara Recipe: Creamy Moroccan Fava Bean Soup Classic 2026

Bissara is a traditional Moroccan soup that turns humble dried fava beans into something silky, warming and deeply satisfying. Garlic, cumin and sweet paprika do the heavy lifting, while a generous drizzle of olive oil finishes each bowl with a rich, fruity shine.

It is naturally vegan and packed with plant protein, which makes it a smart choice for a light dinner or a hearty starter. Serve it thick enough to eat with a spoon, or loosen it slightly and mop it up with fresh Moroccan bread.

Ingredients for Bissara

This makes 4 servings.

• 400 g dried fava beans
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1.2 liters water
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Half a teaspoon sweet paprika
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• Extra virgin olive oil (for garnishing)

How to Make Bissara Step by Step

1. Soak the dried fava beans overnight

Soak 400 g of dried fava beans the night before, changing the water a couple of times. The next day, drain and rinse them well.

2. Boil the fava beans with the garlic

In a large pot, add the fava beans along with 4 peeled garlic cloves. Cover with 1.2 liters of water and bring to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, lower the heat and simmer gently for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and beginning to break down.

3. Stir in the spices

When the beans are cooked, stir in 1 teaspoon of cumin, half a teaspoon of sweet paprika, and salt and ground black pepper to taste. Mix well so the flavors come together.

4. Blend the bissara until creamy

Using a hand blender or a food mill, blend the mixture until you get a creamy, even texture. If it is too thick, add a little more hot water until it reaches the consistency you like. Cook for 5 more minutes.

5. Serve hot with olive oil and spices

Divide the bissara among individual bowls and drizzle with a good glug of extra virgin olive oil and spices such as paprika and/or cumin. Serve the bissara very hot, and if you like, accompany it with Moroccan bread, baguette or even some crunchy toast.

Tips for the Best Bissara

Choose the right beans

It was originally made with dried fava beans, though today it is common to find versions with dried peas or a mix of both. You can find dried fava beans in the international food section of your supermarket, in shops specializing in Moroccan food, or online.

Keep it vegan and versatile

This dish, rich in plant protein, is an ideal option for anyone looking for vegan or vegetarian alternatives. It can be enjoyed on its own as a thick soup, or served with Moroccan bread.

Get the texture right

Blend until completely smooth, then adjust with hot water a little at a time so the bissara stays creamy rather than watery. A final five minutes of cooking after blending helps the texture settle and the spices bloom.

30 Favorite Recipes I Keep Coming Back To at Home

Maybe you're wired the same way I am: your kitchen rotation is a blend of cozy standbys, well-loved dishes from around the globe, and sweets that make a crowd happy.

Some nights I want something luxurious, and that's when I reach for this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this refined Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a deeply rich Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And on days when only fruit-forward comfort will do, this timeless French Tarte Tatin recipe is my reliable pick.

For quick morning meals and lighter plates, I regularly whip up these airy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a hearty Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these bright Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And whenever my pantry needs a gluten-free basic, this no-fuss Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe does the trick.

On evenings built around tapas and Mediterranean tastes, I cycle through this punchy Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, golden Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, silky Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and a cool Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. This elegant Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe also comes out whenever the occasion calls for a little extra polish.

For stick-to-your-ribs midday meals and comforting suppers, my go-tos are this warming Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, time-honored Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, deeply savory Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and velvety Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. When I'm after something even more substantial, I turn to this oven-baked Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, homey Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the supremely cozy French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Anytime street food or party fare is on my mind, I'll throw together this succulent Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crunchy Salchipapas recipe, punchy Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crisp Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These effortless Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe are another favorite of mine for a light starter or snack.

And when I'm hosting and mixing drinks to go with a full spread, dinner often gets paired with this cool Original Cuban Mojito recipe, a strong Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this sweet Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To bring it all together, I like setting out this zesty French Remoulade Sauce recipe alongside, or capping the meal with this dramatic Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

Even More Tasty Recipes the Whole Family Will Enjoy

After countless rounds of testing and tweaking in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the finest dishes are built on straightforward steps, dependable methods, and serious flavor.

The recipes gathered here are the ones I genuinely cook on repeat—whether it's a fast solo meal or something festive for the people I love.

On the sweet side, the lush, velvety Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is my pick when I want a dessert that feels fancy yet comes together without fuss. Another treat I adore is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, modeled on the celebrated Central European chimney cake. If baking is your thing, knowing how to make syrup for better dessert texture helps a lot, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe walks through exactly how I do it at home.

When light and easy is what I'm after, I lean on the timeless Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a flawlessly done Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For more filling comfort fare, I frequently suggest the crowd-pleasing Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the luscious Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the speedy weeknight go-to One Pot Pasta Recipe.

Sharing dishes from across the globe is another joy of mine, among them the genuine Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the traditional Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer cooking is yet another category I turn to often, since it delivers speed without sacrificing texture. The ones I make most include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for those steering clear of wheat, my cozy Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that a classic baked pasta can still be indulgent, cheesy, and deeply comforting without any gluten.

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