Sweet Honeyed Date Nut Couscous With Tahini Note Food

MESFOUF QSENTENA - SWEET COUSCOUS WITH DATES & NUTS

Steps:

• Place the cooked couscous in a large bowl & mix in the salt.
• De-stone the dates & roughly chop them. Chop the walnuts into relatively small pieces (about the size of a pea).
• Starting with 80g of each of the butter & the ghee, mix them into the couscous - the best way to do this is with your hands, Rub the couscous between your fingertips & palms until the grains are evenly coated.
• Set aside 2 tbsp of the dates & of the walnuts, mix the remainder into to the couscous & mix well until evenly distributed.
• Taste & add more butter or ghee if desired.
• Transfer the couscous to a large serving bowl & decorate with the reserved dates & walnuts. Sprinkle a little sugar over the top of the couscous & serve.
• Allow people to add their own sugar to taste.

SWEET COUSCOUS WITH CUSTARD

Steps:

• Custard: Bring the milk to boil in a medium saucepan. While it is heating, place the egg yolks, sugar, & a pinch of salt into a mixing bowl & beat until pale yellow & thick. Add the cornstarch & beat until smooth.
• Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, stirring continuously. Pour back into the saucepan, cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until boiling. Continue to stir vigorously until the custard is smooth, about 45 seconds.
• Remove from the heat & continue to beat vigorously for another 30 seconds. Stir in the vanilla & rose water. When cool, place a sheet of plastic wrap directly on the custard so it does not form a layer of skin. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• Couscous: Toasted the almonds until golden brown. Chop the almonds & walnuts in a food processor. Add to the dates & raisins then set aside.
• Prepare the couscous as directed on the package (should make around 4 cups, cooked). Then stir in the butter & sugar.
• When ready to serve, spread the custard on the bottom of a 10-12 inch round serving dish. Cover the custard with half the couscous then scatter the nut mixture evenly over it. Top with the rest of the couscous & sprinkle with the ground pistachios.

SWEET COUSCOUS WITH NUTS AND DRIED FRUIT

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cranberries, apricots, and cherries. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes. Stir in the couscous and remove the pan from the heat. Cover the pan with a tight fitting lid until the couscous has absorbed all of the cooking liquid, about 5 to 7 minutes.
• Using a fork, fluff the couscous to break up any lumps. Add the almonds and hazelnuts and toss. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet until completely cooled, about 10 minutes.
• Transfer the couscous to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
• Serving Suggestion: Drizzle the couscous with 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil for a moister texture.

SWEET VEGETABLE COUSCOUS

Steps:

• Place saffron into the boiling water to infuse.
• Heat the oil in a large saucepan then add the onion, garlic and chilies and cook gently for five minutes.
• Add the ground ginger, cinnamon and other spices except the saffron, and gently cook for 1 to 2 mins more.
• Add the tomatoes, stock, saffron, carrots, turnips, sweet potatoes, raisins, cover and cook 25 minutes.
• Add the zucchini, chickpeas, parsley and coriander and cook for 10 mins more.
• Prepare the couscous according to manufacturer's directions. Serve with the veggie mixture on top.