Bissara Dip with Zahtar

Name: Bissara Dip with Zahtar
Yield: Serves 4
Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients: zahtar, paprika or dried thyme to garnish; salt; 60-75 ml/4-5 tbsp olive oil; 10 ml/2 tsp cumin seeds; 4 garlic cloves; 350 g/12 oz/1¾ cups dried broad (fava) beans, soaked overnight; zahtar, paprika or dried thyme to garnish; zahtar, paprika or dried thyme to garnish

Preparation info

Serves
4

Difficulty
Easy

Appears in

Modern Moroccan

By Ghillie Basan

Published 2016

About

This garlicky broad bean dip is enjoyed throughout Morocco. Sprinkled with the Middle-Eastern spice zahtar, paprika or dried thyme, it makes a tasty appetizer served with flat bread. It is particularly popular in the cafés of Fez and Marrakesh, where Moroccans and tourists mingle over food.

Ingredients

350 g/12 oz/1¾ cups dried broad (fava) beans, soaked overnight
4

Africa
Morocco
Marrakesh
Fez
Starter
Mediterranean
Gluten-free
Vegan

Method

Drain the beans, remove their wrinkly skins and place them in a large pan with the garlic and cumin seeds. Add enough water to cover the beans and bring to the boil. Boil for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat, cover the pan and simmer gently for about 1 hour, or until the beans are tender.

When cooked, drain the beans and, while they are still warm, pound or process them with the olive o