#seffa

some food from last trip home

Couscous – Middle Eastern style

I love Couscous and when I found out that this week’s destination was the Middle East, I got really excited! Featuring a Couscous recipe is not as easy as you may assume – it took me forever to decide which Couscous dish I wanted to try and share with you. While searching for a great Couscous recipe from the Middle East I realized how many different versions are offered in various countries or regions.

There are savory or sweet ways to prepare Couscous and basically you can make Couscous with seasonal vegetables, a spicy version with harissa, meat or fish, dried fruits or whatever you are longing for at the moment. The preparation of Couscous is quite time-consuming since it is usually steamed several times to get a very fluffy texture. (We are making it the more easy way today!)

The “sweet” version of Couscous with dried fruits, cinnamon and nuts is not considered as being a sweet dessert but is anyhow served mostly after dinner on several occasions such as at a wedding or during Ramadan.

Sweet Couscous is made in many Middle Eastern countries such as Egypt and Lebanon but it is also very common in some african countries like Morocco and Tunisia. The dish also has many different names depending on the country – for example: ‘seffa’, ‘masfouf’ or ‘maghrood’.

‘Seffa’, is how it is called in Algeria and Morocco and it means ‘hospitality’ and ‘welcome’ – so invite some friends over for a special get together! It’s the weekend…

For approx. 4 portions | Preperation time ca. 30 min

Ingredients:

·         300g Couscous

·         1 tbsp of vegetable oil

·         A pinch of salt

·         50g salted butter

·         ½ cup raisins

·         1 cup dried dates

·         1 cup dried apricots

·         1 cup almonds, slivered

·         1 tbsp ground cinnamon

·         For serving: fine brown sugar

How to:

1 First of all you need to prepare the Couscous. Follow the package directions. (Place Couscous in a bowl and fill up with boiled water. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it sit for ca. 10 minutes.)

2 Mix the vegetable oil, salt and soft butter and add it to the hot Couscous. Stir everything with a fork so the Couscous gets nice and fluffy.

3 Cut the dates and apricots (or any other dried fruits you like in small slices) and add the raisins. Layer alternately the Couscous and dried fruits in a bowl so they soften a bit.

4 Serve the Couscous on a plate and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon and slivered almonds on top. The sugar is served at the side so everyone can make it as sweet as he wishes. Eat & enjoy the Couscous while it is still warm.

Enjoy & have a nice weekend!

Your Travelling For Foodies-Team