Energy Powder · Roasted Chickpea
Bsissa Sfaxienne
Photo: אביעד (Aviead) / Wikimedia Commons · Public Domain
Its roots run deep enough to appear in Roman-era mosaics and manuscripts describing similar roasted-grain preparations.
While most Tunisian bsissa is roasted wheat and barley, the Sfax version swaps in roasted chickpeas, ground into a fine, naturally gluten-free powder mixed with olive oil, sugar or dates into a thick paste or drink.
Why it's made this way: One of Tunisia's oldest foods, bsissa's high-calorie density made it a portable staple for centuries — Sfax's chickpea variant became the local answer for anyone avoiding wheat.
More from Tunisia
Part of World of Street Food — 3248 dishes from 118 countries.
Something wrong here? Tell us in the comments below.
Photo credits.