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Sweet and Nutty Moroccan Couscous

Sweet and Nutty Moroccan Couscous

Name: Sweet and Nutty Moroccan Couscous
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups vegetable broth; 5 tablespoons unsalted butter; ⅓ cup chopped dates; ⅓ cup chopped dried apricots; ⅓ cup golden raisins; 2 cups dry couscous; 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon; ½ cup slivered almonds, toasted

Rating: 4.45 stars

117 Ratings
81 Reviews
6 Photos

I've simplified this recipe for Couscous Mesfouf without losing any of its deliciously complex flavor. Prepare all the mix-ins ahead of time and it takes only minutes to make. Enjoy!

By Christina S.

Recipe Summary

prep:

15 mins

cook:

5 mins

total:

20 mins

Servings:

Yield:

6 servings

Nutrition Info

Ingredients

Original recipe yields 6 servings

The ingredient list now reflects the servings specified

2 cups vegetable broth
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
⅓ cup chopped dates
⅓ cup chopped dried apricots
⅓ cup golden raisins
2 cups dry couscous
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ cup slivered almonds, toasted

Directions

Step 1

Pour the vegetable broth into a large saucepan, and bring to a boil. Add the butter, apricots, dates and raisins. Boil for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat, and stir in the couscous. Cover, and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in the cinnamon and toasted almonds, and serve.

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Cook's Note:

To toast almonds, spread them out on a baking sheet, and bake for 10 minutes in a preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven, or until they are fragrant.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:

442.1 calories; 10.5 g protein; 68.2 g carbohydrates; 25.4 mg cholesterol; 163.5 mg sodium. Full Nutrition

Reviews (81)

Most helpful positive review

mvcook

12/28/2008

Some reviewers apparently haven't a clue what this recipe is all about. Please note: (1) this is a Moroccan SIDE DISH; (2) it is SUPPOSED to be spicy and somewhat sweet; and (3) it is intended to be served with a tagine or other stew and should be DRY enough to soak up the juices of the main course. When used as it is intended it is a spectacular--and VERY fast and easy--part of a meal featuring say a delicious savory lamb tagine. It should come as no surprise that it will need some alteration if it is used in another way. But I think it's unfair to criticize baked potatoes because they aren't prime rib or pound cake. I find this recipe really really good just as it appears here. I have made it dozens of times as an accompaniment to Middle Eastern food. to rave reviews. However if you want bland and soupy look elsewhere or make the alterations others suggest as "improvements." Read More

Helpful

(236)

Most helpful critical review

HurdBird

09/05/2011

This seemed to be lacking some liquid and a savory counter to the sweet cinnamon. Read More

Helpful

(3)

117 Ratings

5 star values: 64
4 star values: 44
3 star values: 7
2 star values: 2
1 star values: 0

Reviews: Most Helpful

Most Helpful Most Positive Least Positive Newest

mvcook

12/28/2008

Helpful

(236)

KIMAR

06/29/2006

Per others' suggestions I substituted chicken broth for the vegetable broth reduced cinnamon to 1 1/4 tsp. and used dried cranberries instead of the dates. Liked the buttery sweet flavor. Reduce the 2 cups dry couscous to one 10 oz. box of couscous (measured out to 1 1/2 cups approx.) Even with that reduction it is a tad dry so you might want to add 1 or 2 T. extra broth. (The dried fruits absorb some of the liquid leaving less for the couscous and making it a tad on the dry side.) Read More

Helpful

(39)

SELEA

05/10/2005

Very good! The recipe calls for 3 teaspoons cinnamon. However I do suggest that you start with 1 teaspoon then add more to taste. One teaspoon gives such a subtle taste! Read More

Helpful

(39)

evacooper

10/15/2010

i didn't even add the almonds yet (i am serving it tonite don't want them soggy) and it is delish! pretty sweet too. you can even eat it without the cinnamon. i made it with whole-wheat couscous. and i used oil instead of butter. thank you for a great recipe! Read More

Helpful

(22)

kelcampbell

03/25/2007

This was a very good/easy recipe but I did change the recipe substantially. I used chicken broth instead of vegetable broth I omitted the dates because I didn't have any and used dried cherries in their place. I was also out of almonds but used toasted walnuts instead; and reduced the amount of butter by half. Lastly I added 2 small chopped green onions and about 1/4 cup of chopped Italian parsley. The end result was very good and we will most definitely make it again. Read More

Helpful

(18)

LINDAMDOW

03/01/2006

DO NOT-I REPEAT-DO NOT PUT THAT MUCH CINNAMON IN! I put 1 tsp. cinnamon and that was plenty. This was a pretty good side-dish though I got no raves from my family. I think it needs something else savory to balance the sweet. Read More

Helpful

(11)

Cigall Daboosh Goldman

01/30/2009

OK - this DEFINITELY needs at least 1 cup or even 2 cups of additional stock. I am middle eastern too and this is not how couscous is supposed to be - even when served with a liquidy dish which I did. Other than that I loved the flavors and texture (I also added dried figs). I might even add more fruit next time. Served with Israeli Moroccan Couscous from this site. Read More

Helpful

(10)

GR8NURS1271

02/21/2005

This was the perfect recipe for a first time Moroccan food eater! Not too spicy but with plenty of flavor! It was sweet enough and not so exotic to feed the kids too! Read More

Helpful

(9)

HERMES3G

05/25/2007

My husband and I enjoyed this very much. For quick vegetable broth try Knorrs vegetable cubes - I use them in place of any broth (chicken beef or vegetable). Read More

Helpful

(9)

HurdBird

09/05/2011

This seemed to be lacking some liquid and a savory counter to the sweet cinnamon. Read More

Helpful

(3)

More Reviews

Reviews for: Photos of Sweet and Nutty Moroccan Couscous

1 of 81

All Reviews

Very good! The recipe calls for 3 teaspoons cinnamon. However I do suggest that you start with 1 teaspoon then add more to taste. One teaspoon gives such a subtle taste!

This was the perfect recipe for a first time Moroccan food eater! Not too spicy but with plenty of flavor! It was sweet enough and not so exotic to feed the kids too!

My husband and I enjoyed this very much. For quick vegetable broth try Knorrs vegetable cubes - I use them in place of any broth (chicken beef or vegetable).