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.
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All 214 Sofra recipes are free in the app. This one includes step-by-step English voice narration, hands-free Cooking Mode, and the original oud music by Charbel Rouhana.
Get Sofra on Google Play →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
Instructions
- 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.
- Lightly toast the flour in the same skillet until just turning pale gold and smelling nutty. Cool.
- Combine sesame seeds, flour, anise, cinnamon, and caraway in a bowl.
- Warm honey gently so it flows. Add honey and olive oil to the dry mixture.
- Work with your hands until the mixture clumps together. It should hold its shape when pressed.
- Roll tablespoon-sized amounts into firm balls between your palms.
- Place on a tray and allow to firm up for 1 hour at room temperature.
- Store in a tin or cloth bag at room temperature.
Hear every step read aloud
Step-by-step voice narration guides you hands-free. Faten's Idlib recipes carry her own Syrian-Arabic narration. Charbel Rouhana's original oud plays during Cooking Mode.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Frequently Asked Questions
What is 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.
Where is Bsissa bil Simsim from?
Bsissa bil Simsim comes from Lebanese Mountains. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Bsissa bil Simsim vegetarian?
As written, Bsissa bil Simsim contains no meat or fish, so it is suitable for vegetarians. It does include dairy or other animal-derived ingredients, so it is not vegan. Check the full ingredient list against your own dietary needs.
What can I use instead of ground anise in Bsissa bil Simsim?
The ground anise called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Bsissa bil Simsim its authentic character, so keep it if you can. If you must substitute, choose the closest equivalent you have on hand and adjust to taste — the dish will shift slightly from the traditional version but still work. The Sofra app lists the full ingredient set and sourcing notes.
What do I serve with Bsissa bil Simsim?
In a Lebanese desserts spread, Bsissa bil Simsim is served at the end of a meal or with afternoon coffee or tea. A little extra syrup or nuts on top is traditional where the recipe calls for them.
Can I make Bsissa bil Simsim ahead, and how do I store leftovers?
Most components can be prepared ahead. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture; syrups and nut toppings are best added or refreshed close to serving.