Prepare the beans. (Remove ends and snap in half ~ unless they are small)

Rince beans in a colander with running water 2-3 times

In a bowl, whisk the tomato paste with the water. (some folks add a dash of sugar to this mixture)

Place the beans in a large pot with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and turn up the heat.

Stir the beans for about 5 minutes rapidly, turning the beans continuously.

Add the tomato paste-water mixture plus 2 pieces of cinnamon.

Cover and bring to a boil.

Simmer with lid 'ajar' until all the liquid has evaporated

While the beans are simmering, add the onions and the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to a pan.

Saute the onions until golden brown. Add the garlic during the last minute, stirring well.

Add the salt and the 'seven spices'. Stir to combine.

Remove the cinnamon stick from the simmered beans; beans should be soft and almost no water left in the pot.

Add the onions-garlic mixture from the sauté pan.

Stir gently to combine all.