Description
Dobara Biskra is a hearty and flavorful Algerian stew made with tender chickpeas and broad beans simmered in a spiced tomato and garlic broth. This traditional dish is aromatic with cumin, paprika, and chili, and finished with fresh parsley and lemon juice for a bright, comforting meal perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Legumes
- 1 ½ cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
- 1 cup dried broad beans (fava beans, soaked overnight)
Spices and Flavorings
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 dried red chili, crumbled
Liquids
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cups water or vegetable broth
- Juice of ½ lemon
Garnish
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 green chilies, sliced
Instructions
- Heat oil and spices: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, paprika, and crumbled dried red chili. Cook for about 1 minute until the mixture becomes aromatic and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add soaked legumes and liquid: Add the soaked chickpeas and broad beans to the pot, then pour in the water or vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Simmer legumes: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the chickpeas and beans are tender and cooked through.
- Thicken stew: Lightly mash some of the legumes directly in the pot using a spoon or masher to thicken the consistency of the stew. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add finishing touches: Stir in the lemon juice, chopped fresh parsley, and sliced green chilies. Continue to simmer the stew for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the Dobara Biskra hot, ideally with crusty bread or flatbread to soak up the flavorful stew.
Notes
- Soaking the chickpeas and broad beans overnight reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your spice tolerance.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, mash more legumes or reduce the cooking liquid further.
- Vegetable broth can be substituted with water for a lighter taste.
- Serve with traditional flatbread or crusty bread to complement the rich flavors.
