White Beans Soup فاصوليا بيضة

This is a vegetarian soup that is filling and very delicious.  I usually purchase dry beans and soak them in water overnight. The next day, I strain them and follow the recipe. Make sure to add salt when beans are cooked, otherwise they will take a long time to cook.

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1 pound white beans soaked in water

6 cups boiling water

1 (8-ounce can) tomato sauce

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

Heat oils in a deep pot and sauté the onions for 2 minutes. Add boiling water and beans.  Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 30 minutes. Check the beans if they are soft and cooked. Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, salt and pepper and stir. Cook for 20 more minutes and add more water if needed. Add vinegar and check the salt and seasoning. Serve in a bowl as a soup or with white rice. Bean soup thickens when it cools. You can add more water when reheating it.

Sesame Bread-Qosa, Gursa. كرصة الموصل بالسمسم

This is typical bread baked in the northern part of Iraq. My aunt who lived in Mosul used to bake it in a tannour oven, but I successfully bake it in a conventional oven.

1 tablespoon dry yeast

1 cup warm water

1 teaspoon sugar

3 ½ cup all purpose flour

½  cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon nigella seeds

1 teaspoon ground fennel

1 egg, beaten

1/2  cup sesame seeds

Dissolve yeast in ½ cup of warm water, and add sugar and stir. Cover and set aside to activate the yeast, and should starts bubbling within 5 minutes.

Measure the flour in a bowl and add the salt and nigella seeds, fennel and stir. Pour the oil in the flour and rub it in your hands a little. Pour the yeast mixture and the rest of the warm water, and stir.

Knead the dough using your hand or a food processor.  Put the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and leave it to rise in a warm place for one hour.

Remove the dough and put it on a floured board. Cut it in 4 portions. Form the dough in nice smooth balls and cover with a towel to rise for 30 minutes.

Take the ball of dough and flatten it using your hands. Slash the top with a knife. Bush with egg wash and sprinkle one tablespoon of sesame seeds on top. Arrange the dough on oiled pan. Cover with a towel and leave it to rise for 45 minutes.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F. for 35-45 minutes depending on your oven.

When cool, keep this bread in the fridge or put them in the freezer bag and freeze, until ready to use.
This is very delicious bread to serve with feta cheese with tea or with dinner. Enjoy!

Makes  4