Bseisa and Howira are two different mixtures of roasted barley and other cereals ground with fenugreek and aniseed and coriander . This kind of food is North African in origin, known in Tunis and Algeria as well as throughout Libya. Its history goes back a long way, and travellers and nomads used to take bsisa and dates a with them on their journeys since it was full of nutritional value, easy to carry in its ground form, and does not spoil.
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| Bsisa is bright yellow and Howira sandy brown. |
Howira can also be used as a liquid when added to water, creating a strongly-floured drink. The most common use for bsisa and howira is to mix them with olive oil into a paste. This is then typically eaten with dates or figs for a quick meal which is energy-rich and healthy. They make delicious Ramadan dips!
