🇪🇬 Egypt · Food
Bissara (Fava Bean Dip)
By eatmundo · August 4, 2026
🇪🇬 EGBissara is a classic Egyptian dish made from split dried fava beans blended with herbs, garlic, and spices. It is often served as a warm, comforting dip or a spread with fresh bread.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Soak the dried fava beans overnight in plenty of water, then drain and rinse them well.
- 2
In a large pot, combine the soaked beans with sliced leeks, parsley, dill, and 500ml of water.
- 3
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 45 minutes until the beans are very soft.
- 4
Add the garlic and cumin, then simmer for another 5 minutes.
- 5
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before blending until completely smooth and creamy.
- 6
Pour the mixture back into the pot, stir in the salt, and cook on low heat for 5 minutes to thicken.
- 7
Spread the mixture onto a shallow serving plate while still warm.
- 8
Drizzle generously with olive oil and serve with crusty flatbread as a light, protein-packed meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to soak the beans?+
Yes, soaking is crucial to ensure they cook down to a smooth, creamy texture without hard pieces.
Can I eat it cold?+
Bissara is traditionally served warm, but many enjoy it at room temperature as a dip.
What if it's too thick?+
Simply add a few tablespoons of hot water or vegetable stock to achieve your desired consistency.
Is it gluten-free?+
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as it relies entirely on legumes and herbs.
🇪🇬 EGMundo Match
Dishes across the world that share Bissara (Fava Bean Dip)'s core ingredients.
See all 19 matches ↓
