North African Bissara

This is a great-sounding soup from the Allrecipes website. It was submitted by Asma Khalfaoui. Her quote for this recipe is "This is one of my treasured recipes, it is wonderful on cold days. This recipe originates from somewhere in North Africa."

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons  vegetable oil
• 4  garlic cloves, crushed
• 6  cups water
• 1⁄3 cup olive oil
• 3  cups  dried split peas
• 3  sprigs fresh parsley
• 1  dried red chili pepper
• 2  teaspoons paprika
• 1  teaspoon cumin
• 1  pinch salt
• 1  pinch black pepper

Directions

1. Fry garlic in the vegetable oil in a large pot over low heat until lightly browned. Pour in water and olive oil.
2. Stir in split peas, parsley, chili pepper, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 55 minutes, stirring occasionally so that the peas do not stick to the bottom of the pot.
4. When the peas are tender, mash them with a wooden spoon until smooth.
5. Stir in additional water to reach desired consistency.