Bissara

Description
This is a classic Tunisian soup, spiced with harissa, one of the most popular condiments in the Middle East and North Africa

Ingredients

 * 1 pound lentils or baby fava beans
 * 5 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed
 * 4 T. olive oil
 * 2 T. tomato paste
 * 1 level T. cumin
 * 1/2 tsp. harissa*
 * water or vegetable broth to make 4 quarts total soup
 * salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Put beans or lentils in a stock pot. Cover with water, bring to a boil. Lower the heat and cover; cook slowly for 30 minutes. Purée the beans.

Peel the garlic. In a clean pot, warm the oil, cook the garlic, and add the tomato paste, cumin, and harissa. Add the bean purée, add water or broth to a soup consistency, and season with salt and pepper. Heat to just below boiling. Serve with extra harissa on the side.