No one needs a reminder that times are tough, we are all in the same boat and the uncertainty of the world has put our anxieties at an all time high. It sucks but it is life right now. For most of us, the change most shocking is adjusting our lifestyles from a strong economy, jet setting on adventures, shopping and dining out on a regular basis. With months without a consuming economy, and the cost of living remaining the same, personal finances has taken a hit for the majority. So this is a moment looking towards traditional food and recipes is a great way to save money but stay healthy, both essential during a global health pandemic. Sustainable living means living within your means, eating well, taking care of your body.
Stay Healthy with Moroccan Bisara
Morocco is one of the most magical places you can travel and if you haven’t visited it then put it on your list. Especially post covid as the Moroccan government worked quickly to protect its people by closing the borders almost immediately. Not only that but have kept such strict lockdown measures that the numbers remained low. It is a cheap destination and has so much to offer, including the famous Moroccan hospitality. However, since tourism is one of the main sources of incomes, many families are left with very little money to survive. This is why Moroccan Bisara is the best meals during tough times. For those who do not know what bisara is, it is a traditional Moroccan soup made of fava beans, garlic and spices.
Health Benefits
- Garlic has anti bacterial properties and immune boosting
- Fava beans are a good source of protein and folate
- Cumin aids digestion and source of iron
- Warm and comforting soup for colder days
So this is not actually my recipe and really any traditional recipe is never yours, only your version of it since tradition does mean it was past onto you. So this recipe I used from another blog Open Doors Morocco. Click the link for the full recipe and breakdown on the how tos. It is great for someone who is less experienced cooking. But really bisara is probably the easiest recipe to make. Boil beans and garlic, add spices and blend. Done.
What you need to make Moroccan Bisara
- Pot to cook in + fire
- Blender (hand blender would be most ideal)
- 1kg Fava Beans
- 4 cloves of Garlic
- Approx 6 cups of Water
- 1 tbsp Spices: Cumin, Paprika
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
“…bisara is probably the easiest recipe to make. Boil beans and garlic, add spices and blend.”
– sustainable surfer girl
Some people get intimidated by recipes that are foreign to them but in reality it is just unknown and sometimes it is the unknown that scares but has the possibility to bring an amazing experience to us. And yes I may oversimplify this recipe and to learn with experienced Moroccan chef AKA Moroccan Mom (this is where you find the best food in my experience) you would learn special tricks and methods for the best traditional bisara.
Here is a quick 10 step instruction:
- Step 1 : Wash Fava Beans until water is clear
- Step 2 : Cover beans with water and put on stove
- Step 3 : As beans boil skim the froth of the top to remove impurities
- Step 4 : Add garlic, spices and olive oil
- Step 5 : Lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes
- Step 6 : Check beans texture, add water as needed (beans should have about an inch about them), increase heat slightly
- Step 7 : Once beans smash easily, blend and add salt to taste
- Step 8 : If thicker soup is desired, bring to a boil until reduce to desired thickness
- Step 9 : Garnish with olive oil and spices
- Step 10 : Serve with bread or eat on it’s own. Enjoy!
Serves 10 people. Total Prep & Cook Time : 1 hour