Bsissa bil Simsim

Small dense balls rolled from toasted sesame seeds, anise, cinnamon, honey, and olive oil — the original Lebanese hiking food and mountain winter provision, carried in pockets by shepherds and traders crossing the mountain passes.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sesame seeds
• 2 tsp ground anise
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp ground caraway
• 4 tbsp honey
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour

Method

1. Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden — about 5 minutes. Do not burn. Cool completely.
2. Lightly toast the flour in the same skillet until just turning pale gold and smelling nutty. Cool.
3. Combine sesame seeds, flour, anise, cinnamon, and caraway in a bowl.
4. Warm honey gently so it flows. Add honey and olive oil to the dry mixture.
5. Work with your hands until the mixture clumps together. It should hold its shape when pressed.
6. Roll tablespoon-sized amounts into firm balls between your palms.
7. Place on a tray and allow to firm up for 1 hour at room temperature.
8. Store in a tin or cloth bag at room temperature.

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