What Is Gourgane Soup?

Gourgane beans grow in small pods.

Gourgane soup, also known as broad (or fava) bean soup, is a thick and hearty soup that uses the broad bean as the primary ingredient. There are several variations of traditional gourgane soup, each derived from a different culture.

Fool Nabed

Egyptian gourgane soup, known as fool nabed, is a thick soup made from pureed broad beans. Common ingredients in fool nabed include garlic, lemon juice, parsley and cumin. These spices combine with broad beans that have been soaked, cooked and pureed for a thick and smooth consistency.

British Broad Bean Soup

British broad bean soup is a classic recipe utilizing gourgane, onions and chopped meat as its primary ingredients. Common spices and flavorings added to the dish include butter, thyme, almonds and garlic.

Bissara Chorba

Bissara chorba, or Moroccan broad bean soup, utilizes little ingredients to create a filling and flavorful soup. Spices and seasonings such as salt, pepper, cumin, olive oil and lemon combine with simple, boiled broad beans to make the soup.

References

• "500 Soups: The Only Soup Compendium You'll Ever Need"; Susannah Blake; 2007
• "The Best Soups in the World"; Clifford A. Wright; 2009
• "300 Sensational Soups"; Carla Snyder and Meredith Deeds; 2008