Sweet Couscous Dessert
A delightful and aromatic Moroccan-inspired sweet couscous dish tossed with butter, dried fruits, toasted nuts, and warming spices.
Ingredients
- •1 cup dry couscous (180g)
- •1 cup water or whole milk (240ml)
- •2 tablespoons unsalted butter (30g)
- •3 tablespoons granulated sugar (35g)
- •1/2 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, chopped dates, and dried cranberries) (80g)
- •1/4 cup slivered almonds or chopped pistachios, toasted (30g)
- •1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- •1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- •1 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional)
- •A pinch of salt
- •2 tablespoons pomegranate arils or honey for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Place the dry couscous in a large mixing bowl, add a pinch of salt, and drizzle with 1 teaspoon of melted butter, rubbing it gently between your fingers to coat the grains.
- 2
Bring 1 cup of water or milk to a boil in a small saucepan, then pour it over the prepared couscous.
- 3
Cover the bowl tightly with a plate or plastic wrap and let it sit undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed.
- 4
While the couscous absorbs the liquid, plump the mixed dried fruits in a small bowl of warm water for 5 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
- 5
Remove the cover from the couscous and use a fork to gently fluff the grains, separating any clumps.
- 6
Add the remaining butter, sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and orange blossom water to the warm couscous, mixing well until the butter is completely melted and incorporated.
- 7
Fold in the drained dried fruits and half of the toasted nuts.
- 8
Transfer the sweet couscous to a serving platter, shaping it into a mound.
- 9
Garnish the top with the remaining toasted nuts and a scattering of pomegranate arils or a light drizzle of honey just before serving.
💡 Chef tips
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat coconut milk or whole milk instead of water to hydrate the couscous.
- You can make this dish a few hours ahead of time; simply reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk before adding the final toppings.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished sweet couscous is light, fluffy, and fragrant with cinnamon and orange blossom, offering a comforting balance of buttery grains, sweet fruits, and crunchy toasted nuts.