Moroccan Dried Fava Bean Dip - Bessara

If you like hummus, a Middle Eastern chick pea dip, you'll probably like bessara as well. Bessara is a Moroccan dip or soup made from dried fava beans, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil. Cumin and paprika are key spices, and extra zip can be added by using some hot paprika along with the sweet paprika, or by adding cayenne pepper to taste.

Bessara is traditionally served warm with cumin and paprika on the side for seasoning to taste. I find this Bessara Recipe zesty enough, and prefer to simply garnish the dip with a sprinkling of paprika and a drizzle of olive oil. Chopped parsley is also a nice touch.

Serve bessara as an appetizer, side or vegetarian main dish with crusty bread for scooping up the dip. Whole wheat bread especially complements the flavor of the fava beans.

Photo © Christine Benlafquih

_{Do you Twitter? Follow @moroccan_food.}

_{Keep up with Moroccan Food on Facebook.}

_{Sign up for the free weekly Moroccan Food Newsletter.}

_{Have questions about Moroccan food or cooking? Post them to the Moroccan Food Forum.}