Zoummita and Bsissa

Zoummita and Bsissa (on the right): Preparation of a Mixed Cereal Blend for Zoummita Made from Barley and Bsissa Made from Wheat.

Prepared from wheat or barley flour, seasoned with marjoram, coriander, anise, fennel, and lentils, this dish can be served either liquid (mixed with water or milk) or solid (mixed with olive oil). In Tunisia, bsissa is a mixture of wheat or barley flour combined with chickpea flour and spices. Chickpea flour adds remarkable nutritional qualities to the blend. The amino acids from the wheat and chickpeas form a perfectly balanced protein mix. The preparation is usually made with sugar and olive oil.