Best 11 Couscous With Dates Recipes

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Tantalize your taste buds with a culinary journey to the heart of North African cuisine. Couscous, a delectable dish of steamed semolina grains, takes center stage in this exploration of flavors. This versatile dish transcends boundaries, offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian variations.

For those seeking a meatless delight, the Vegetarian Couscous with Dates recipe beckons. This dish is a symphony of textures and flavors, featuring tender couscous, plump dates, and a delightful medley of vegetables. The subtle sweetness of dates harmonizes perfectly with the savory notes of roasted vegetables, creating a harmonious balance in every bite.

Venturing into the realm of non-vegetarian delights, the Chicken Couscous with Dates recipe awaits. This dish elevates couscous to new heights with succulent chicken pieces, caramelized dates, and a vibrant blend of spices. The chicken is infused with a rich and flavorful marinade, ensuring every morsel bursts with juicy tenderness. The dates add a touch of sweetness that complements the savory chicken, while the spices bring warmth and depth to the dish.

Each recipe is meticulously crafted to guide you through the culinary process, ensuring success in your kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned chef or embarking on a culinary adventure, these recipes will empower you to create a delectable couscous dish that will impress your palate and transport you to the vibrant streets of North Africa.

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

LEMON PEARL COUSCOUS WITH DATES



Lemon Pearl Couscous with Dates image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 30m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 onion, chopped
2 1/2 cups pearl couscous
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 bay leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
3/4 cup pitted dates, roughly chopped
3 scallions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
Pomegranate seeds, for topping

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the couscous and cook, stirring, until toasted, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the chicken broth, bay leaves, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring. Reduce the heat to low; cover and cook until the liquid is absorbed and the couscous is tender, about 10 minutes. Discard the bay leaves.
  • Add the dates, scallions, parsley, dill and lemon zest to the pot and stir; season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and top with pomegranate seeds.

MORNING COUSCOUS WITH ORANGES AND DATES



Morning Couscous With Oranges and Dates image

This is a delicious way to enjoy couscous. You can reconstitute the couscous the night before and keep it in the refrigerator overnight. All it will need in the morning is a steam in the microwave and the addition of the oranges.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     breakfast, easy, one pot, main course

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 cups water
2 to 3 tablespoons brown sugar or honey (to taste)
1 teaspoon orange flower water (optional; available at Middle Eastern markets)
3 tablespoons chopped dried apricots
2 tablespoons currants or raisins
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)
1 cup couscous
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, to taste
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
2 navel oranges
6 dates, pitted and cut in quarters lengthwise
Pomegranate seeds for garnish

Steps:

  • Combine the water and brown sugar or honey in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Turn the heat to medium, and boil gently until the sugar has dissolved. Stir in the optional orange flower water, the chopped apricots and the raisins or currants, and set aside for five minutes.
  • Place the couscous in a 2-quart bowl, and add the cinnamon and salt. Stir together. Pour on the hot syrup. Mix together with a fork, spatula or wooden spoon, and set aside for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. At this point, if not eating right away, cover and refrigerate.
  • Shortly before serving, steam the couscous in one of two ways. Line a strainer with a double layer of cheesecloth, and dump the couscous into the strainer. Then set above a pot with 1 inch of boiling water. Cover and steam for 15 minutes, making sure that the water is well below the couscous. Transfer to a bowl, add the butter, and toss together until the butter melts. Alternatively, place the couscous in a microwave and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Microwave for two minutes. Carefully uncover, stir in the butter and cover again. Microwave for another two minutes. Remove the plastic, being careful of the steam in the bowl.
  • With a paring knife, peel away the skin and pith from the orange, holding it over the couscous so that any juice drips onto the couscous. Still holding the orange over the couscous, cut out the sections from between the membranes.
  • Pile the couscous into a mound on a platter, or spoon into individual serving bowls. Decorate with orange sections, date slices and pomegranate seeds, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 231, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams, Carbohydrate 55 grams, Fat 0 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 5 grams, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 8 milligrams, Sugar 28 grams

MOROCCAN CHICKEN COUSCOUS WITH DATES



Moroccan chicken couscous with dates image

Wholewheat grains keep you fuller for longer - flavour with dates, lemon, cumin and cinnamon

Provided by Jennifer Joyce

Categories     Dinner, Main course

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 tbsp olive oil
500g skinless chicken thigh
140g wholewheat couscous
2 onions , sliced
4 garlic cloves , sliced
zest 2 lemons , juice of 1
350ml chicken stock
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground cinnamon
6 large dates , pitted and chopped (Medjool are nice)
50g flaked almond
small bunch parsley , chopped

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/ gas 4. Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a large frying pan over a high heat. Season the chicken, then cook for 10 mins or until browned on both sides. Remove and put in a large baking dish with the dry couscous.
  • Heat the remaining oil in the pan, add the onions and garlic, and cook for 5 mins until softened. Add the zest and juice of 1 lemon along with the stock, cumin, cinnamon and dates, then bring to the boil.
  • Pour the date mixture over the chicken and couscous, sprinkle over the almonds, cover with foil and bake for 20 mins. Serve sprinkled with the remaining zest and parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 534 calories, Fat 18 grams fat, SaturatedFat 3 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 55 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 23 grams sugar, Fiber 9 grams fiber, Protein 40 grams protein, Sodium 0.5 milligram of sodium

COUSCOUS TFAYA WITH CHICKEN AND MAJHOUL DATES



Couscous Tfaya with Chicken and Majhoul Dates image

Provided by Food Network

Time 1h50m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 1/2 pounds coucous (durum wheat recommended)
Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 cup lukewarm water
4 tablespoons butter, melted, plus 4 tablespoons
Olive oil
2 small Cornish hens or 4 medium quails, cut into small pieces
1 large red onion, julienned, plus 1 large red onion, finely chopped
4 stems parsley, finely chopped
2 1/2 tablespoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 generous pinch saffron
1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
3 bay leaves
1 teaspoon Ras el Hanout (a mixture of 37 aromatic spices) or, a pinch clove and a pinch nutmeg
2 cups water
4 tablespoons honey
1 cup garbanzo beans, pre-cooked or soaked overnight
1 cup seedless raisins
20 majhoul dates or 1 pound biskra or deglat-nour dates
1/2 cup roasted, skinless almonds

Steps:

  • Pour the couscous in a large bowl, add salt, to taste, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1 cup lukewarm water, 4 tablespoons of the melted butter. Mix and let rest for 15 minutes, until the water is absorbed.
  • Preheat a thick pot. Add olive oil and heat. Add Cornish hen or quail and brown for a few minutes. Add the chopped and julienned onion, parsley, remaining butter, spices, salt, and 2 cups water. Cook for 15 minutes.
  • Add honey, garbanzo beans, raisins, and simmer for another 15 minutes. Add water as needed. Add the dates. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the dates are hot.
  • Separate the couscous grains by rubbing both hands together. Make sure there are no lumps. Fill the bottom of the couscoussiere (or pot) with 1 1/2 gallons water. Bring to a boil. Put the couscoussiere (or fine-meshed sieve) on top. When the vapor comes up, pour the couscous in the top (sieve), and let it steam for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender and spongy.
  • On a large platter, spread a 1-inch thick layer of couscous. Add some pieces of Cornish hen or quail around the middle. Then pour over the surface onions, raisins, and garbanzo beans.
  • Garnish with dates, the roasted almonds, and the rest of the sauce. Serve hot.

COUSCOUS WITH DATES



Couscous with Dates image

Categories     Side     Vegetarian     Quick & Easy     Ramadan     Date     Vegan     Couscous     Gourmet     Kidney Friendly     Pescatarian     Dairy Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Makes 1 serving

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/3 cup water
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon finely grated fresh orange zest
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup couscous
1 tablespoon finely chopped dried pitted dates
1 tablespoon finely chopped scallion greens

Steps:

  • Bring water, oil, zest, and salt to a boil in a 1- to 1 1/2-quart heavy saucepan. Stir in couscous and dates, then cover pan and remove from heat. Let stand, covered, 5 minutes.
  • Fluff couscous with a fork and stir in scallion greens.

SWEET AND NUTTY MOROCCAN COUSCOUS



Sweet and Nutty Moroccan Couscous image

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!

Provided by Christina S.

Categories     100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes     Vegetarian     Side Dishes

Time 20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

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

Steps:

  • 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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 442.1 calories, Carbohydrate 68.2 g, Cholesterol 25.4 mg, Fat 14.8 g, Fiber 6.4 g, Protein 10.5 g, SaturatedFat 6.5 g, Sodium 163.5 mg, Sugar 16.9 g

COUSCOUS WITH DATES, RAISINS, AND ALMONDS



Couscous With Dates, Raisins, and Almonds image

This is a slightly sweet recipe of middle eastern origin. You can add more sugar if you like, but for those wanting to cut down on sugar and fat, this is a great way to indulge in a bit of sweet with an ethnic flair.

Provided by Linda Lola

Categories     Dessert

Time 15m

Yield 1 platter, 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups water
1 tablespoon butter
1 orange, using the grated orange peel and then juice of that orange
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (10 ounce) package near east instant original couscous
1/2 cup almonds, sliced
1/2 cup golden raisin
1/2 cup chopped dates
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, orange peel and juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Bring to a boil. Add the couscous to the boiling water. Remove from heat and cover for ten minutes. Liquid should be absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
  • In a small frying pan, heat the almonds over medium heat, stirring continuously until toasted. Add the raisins and dates and butter. Heat all until butter is melted.
  • Serve couscous spread over a platter, top with topping mixture. Sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar over the top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 451.7, Fat 10.4, SaturatedFat 3, Cholesterol 10.2, Sodium 171.4, Carbohydrate 83.4, Fiber 6, Sugar 40.1, Protein 9.6

YVONNE MAFFEI'S ROAST CHICKEN WITH COUSCOUS, DATES AND BUTTERED ALMONDS



Yvonne Maffei's Roast Chicken With Couscous, Dates and Buttered Almonds image

Deglet Noors dates shine when they are cooked in chutneys, desserts or North African dishes like this whole roast chicken. The chicken is cooked with fluffy couscous that absorbs the sweetness of dates and the butteriness of toasted almonds. Supermarket Deglet Noors are often dark brown and hard, because they have been kept well past their natural point of ripeness; seek out soft, light-colored ones for the best flavor.

Provided by Julia Moskin

Categories     dinner, lunch, roasts, main course

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Fine sea salt
1 large whole chicken, about 4 pounds
2 cups couscous (not instant)
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup slivered dates
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons orange blossom water (optional)
2 tablespoons honey
Chopped mint, parsley or cilantro, or a combination, for garnish

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375 degrees. In a large ovenproof dish or pot with a tight lid, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, the lemon juice, the ginger, the pepper and 1 teaspoon salt. Add the chicken and rub it around in the mixture until evenly coated. Turn chicken breast side down and roast, uncovered, for 50 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine couscous, 2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set aside for 5 to 15 minutes to soak.
  • In a small skillet, melt the butter. Add almonds and cook, stirring constantly, just until toasted and golden; adjust heat so almonds and butter do not scorch. Turn off heat and stir in dates.
  • Add almond-date mixture to couscous, along with any butter left in pan, and mix, fluffing the grains with a fork. Mix in 2 tablespoons olive oil, the sugar, the cinnamon and the orange blossom water (if using).
  • Drizzle or paint honey over top of chicken (leave chicken breast-side down in pot). Add couscous mixture to the pot, arranging it around the chicken. Cover tightly with a lid or foil and return to the oven for 30 minutes more.
  • Remove from the oven. When cool enough to handle, remove chicken and carve into serving pieces. Stir and fluff couscous, scraping up any chicken skin stuck to bottom of pan, and place chicken pieces back on top of couscous. Sprinkle with chopped herbs and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 913, UnsaturatedFat 32 grams, Carbohydrate 68 grams, Fat 50 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 48 grams, SaturatedFat 14 grams, Sodium 967 milligrams, Sugar 19 grams, TransFat 0 grams

COUSCOUS SALAD WITH DATES AND ALMONDS



Couscous Salad with Dates and Almonds image

Categories     Salad     Bean     Side     Vegetarian     Quick & Easy     Date     Almond     Healthy     Vegan     Couscous     Cilantro     Bon Appétit     Pescatarian     Dairy Free     Peanut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 10-ounce box couscous
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (generous) grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 15- to 16-ounce can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained
2/3 cup chopped pitted dates
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro
1/4 cup minced green onions
Fresh cilantro sprigs

Steps:

  • Bring 2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to boil in medium saucepan. Add couscous; stir 30 seconds. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with fork. Transfer to large bowl to cool.
  • Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, lemon peel, and cardamom to blend in small bowl. Drizzle over couscous. Mix in garbanzo beans, dates, almonds, minced cilantro, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper. Let stand at room temperature at least 1 hour and up to 2 hours. Garnish with cilantro sprigs.

LEMON DATE COUSCOUS



Lemon Date Couscous image

Couscous is a great way to deliver bold flavors, and it cooks so quickly. This makes a wonderful accompaniment to all sorts of main dishes. -Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 10m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

3/4 cup uncooked couscous
1/2 cup fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup chopped dates
2 tablespoons sliced almonds
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
Thinly sliced green onions

Steps:

  • Cook couscous according to package directions., Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the spinach, carrots, dates, almonds, lemon juice, zest, salt and lemon pepper. Stir in couscous. Garnish with green onions.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 179 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 104mg sodium, Carbohydrate 37g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SWEET COUSCOUS WITH NUTS AND DATES



Sweet Couscous with Nuts and Dates image

Categories     Nut     Breakfast     Dessert     Bake     High Fiber     Low Sodium     Dried Fruit     Date     Healthy     Couscous     Bon Appétit     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Serves 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 2/3 cups couscous (about 1 pound)
2 2/3 cups water
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups chopped toasted mixed nuts (such as walnuts, blanched almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios and pine nuts)
1 8-ounce box pitted dates, cut into pieces
2 cups milk, hot
Additional sugar

Steps:

  • Place couscous in large bowl. Bring 2 2/3 cups water, 1/2 cup sugar and oil to boil in heavy large saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar. Pour mixture over couscous and stir until well blended. Cover and let stand 10 minutes. Fluff with fork to separate grains. Mix nuts and dates into couscous. Transfer couscous to 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Cool. Cover with foil. (Can be prepared 4 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.)
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake couscous until heated through, about 20 minutes. Spoon into bowls. Serve, passing hot milk and additional sugar separately.

Tips:

  • For the best results, use a good quality couscous. Look for one that is made from durum wheat and has a slightly nutty flavor.
  • Be sure to rinse the couscous before cooking it. This will remove any dust or debris and help it to cook evenly.
  • When cooking the couscous, follow the package directions carefully. The amount of water and cooking time will vary depending on the type of couscous you are using.
  • Once the couscous is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
  • Add your desired ingredients to the couscous and mix well. You can add vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, or meat.
  • Serve the couscous warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed as a main course or side dish.

Conclusion:

Couscous with dates is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its nutty flavor and chewy texture, couscous is a great addition to any meal.

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