Creamy Egyptian Bessara with Olive Oil and Coriander

Name: Creamy Egyptian Bessara with Olive Oil and Coriander
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: 2 cups dried fava beans; 4 cups water; 3 cloves garlic; 1 large onion; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon coriander powder; Salt; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon dried mint; 1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves; 1/4 cup olive oil; Lemon wedges for serving

A savory fava bean dip bursting with flavor

Bessara is a traditional Egyptian dish made from fava beans that's smooth, creamy, and seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices and herbs.

1 h 30 min
4
Easy

Ingredients

For the Bessara

2 cups dried fava beans

soaked overnight

4 cups water

3 cloves garlic

minced

1 large onion

chopped

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon coriander powder

Salt

to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon

For the Spice Mix

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon dried mint

For the Garnish

1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves

chopped

1/4 cup olive oil

Lemon wedges for serving

Preparation

Prepping the Fava Beans

Drain and rinse the soaked fava beans

Drain and rinse the soaked fava beans.

Add beans and water

In a large pot, add the fava beans and water.

Cook until tender

Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer until beans are tender.

Preparing the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil

In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Sauté garlic and onions

Sauté garlic and onions until translucent and fragrant.

Do not let the garlic burn; it can turn bitter.

Toast spices

Add cumin and coriander powder, stirring for 1 minute.

Always sauté spices lightly to enhance their aroma.

Cooking Process

Beans Blending

Once fava beans are tender, add sautéed garlic and onions mixture to the pot and blend with an immersion blender until smooth.

Adjusting Flavors

Stir in lemon juice and salt, adjusting flavors to taste.

Simmer & Taste

Simmer the mixture on low heat to let the flavors meld.

Plating & Serving