Bissara (Creamy Fava Bean Purée)

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-low and add the dried fava beans (or dried split green peas), garlic, paprika, cumin, baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

2. Step 2

   Add water and bring to a boil over high. Cover the pot, adjust heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the fava beans are soft and tender, about 40 minutes for fava beans (or 50 minutes for dried split green peas). If the water evaporates before the beans/peas are cooked, add some warm water to the pot to just cover them and continue cooking until tender.

3. Step 3

   Use an immersion blender to blend the beans in the pot until smooth. (Be careful of the steam that will rise up.) Alternatively, allow to cool slightly and blend in a stand blender. Add water, ¼ cup at a time, to thin the bissara to your desired consistency for a dip or soup. Taste and add more salt if necessary.

4. Step 4

   Serve in shallow bowls with a generous drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of paprika and cumin, and bread on the side.