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Morocco · Food

Bissara with Lamb Shank

150 min
700 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · August 3, 2026

Bissara with Lamb Shank🇲🇦AI-generated image

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

7 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Bissara with Lamb Shank. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Porridge & mash13 recipes from 9 countriesSee all 7 matches

A comforting, velvet-smooth fava bean stew traditionally served as a breakfast or warming winter meal. It is enriched with tender lamb shank for a heartier, main-course experience.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Bissara with Lamb Shank from another cuisine is Foul Iskandarani (Egypt): the two share 62% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Soak the 200g dried split, skinless fava beans in plenty of cold water for at least 8 hours, then drain them well.

  • 2

    Season the 4 lamb shanks with 5g salt. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, sear them in 20ml of the olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown on all sides. Add 1 liter water, bring to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat to low and braise gently for 90 minutes.

  • 3

    Add the soaked split fava beans, the 5 garlic cloves, 0.5 tsp turmeric and 250ml more water to the shanks.

  • 4

    Bring back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover partially and simmer for 60 minutes more, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is very tender and the beans are completely soft and breaking down.

  • 5

    Carefully remove the lamb shanks and set them aside to keep warm.

  • 6

    Use an immersion blender to process the bean mixture until it is perfectly smooth and creamy. If it is thinner than a thick purée, simmer it uncovered over low heat, stirring often, until it thickens.

  • 7

    Stir in the remaining 40ml olive oil and the 1 tsp cumin, then season with 3g salt, adding more to taste.

  • 8

    Serve the warm puree in bowls topped with a lamb shank, finished with a final drizzle of extra olive oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bissara with Lamb Shank?

Bissara with lamb shank is a Moroccan dish consisting of a thick purée of dried fava beans seasoned with garlic, cumin, and turmeric, served topped with tender braised lamb shank. It is a hearty meal traditionally consumed as a substantial lunch or dinner, often accompanied by crusty bread.

Can I use split peas instead?

Yes, dried split peas are a common substitute if fava beans are unavailable, though the flavor profile is slightly sweeter.

How do I avoid a gritty texture?

Ensure you blend the beans thoroughly while they are still hot; pass the puree through a fine-mesh sieve if you desire a restaurant-grade silkiness.

Should I soak the beans?

Yes, soaking is mandatory to reduce the cooking time and ensure the beans break down into a smooth consistency.

Is this a soup or a dip?

It is traditionally a thick stew that can be eaten with bread as a dip or with a spoon as a main dish.

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