North Africa · Side
Besarah (Herbed Split Fava Bean Puree)
A velvety emerald fava bean dip scented with fresh herbs and dried molokhia, crowned with dark, sweet fried onions.
The story
Cherished since ancient Egyptian antiquity by peasant farmers across the Nile Delta and Upper Egypt, Besarah is an unpretentious, deeply nourishing vegetarian legacy. It is served chilled or at room temperature during casual midday field breaks and communal Lenten or Friday breakfasts alongside spring onions, fresh radish, and flatbread. The vibrant green color and signature velvety texture are achieved by simmering hulled fava beans with fresh herbs and a spoonful of dried molokhia leaves before pureeing.
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