Best 3 Middle Eastern Couscous With Dried Fruit Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with our enticing selection of couscous recipes. Discover the delectable blend of sweet and savory in our Middle Eastern Couscous with Dried Fruit, where succulent dried apricots, plump raisins, and aromatic spices dance together in a symphony of flavors.

For a taste of traditional Moroccan cuisine, try our Moroccan Chicken Couscous, where tender chicken, succulent vegetables, and fluffy couscous come together in a rich, flavorful broth. Experience the vibrant flavors of Lebanon with our Lebanese Spiced Couscous, bursting with aromatic spices and the tangy zest of preserved lemon.

If you prefer a vegetarian delight, our Lentil and Vegetable Couscous is a delightful symphony of flavors and textures, combining earthy lentils, crisp vegetables, and fluffy couscous in a savory broth. And for a unique twist, our Sweet Potato and Chickpea Couscous offers a vibrant medley of roasted sweet potatoes, tender chickpeas, and fluffy couscous, drizzled with a tangy lemon-tahini sauce.

Each recipe promises an explosion of flavors and textures, capturing the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine. Embark on this culinary adventure and savor the delights of these delectable couscous dishes.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

SWEET COUSCOUS WITH NUTS AND DRIED FRUIT



Sweet Couscous with Nuts and Dried Fruit image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     side-dish

Time 14m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 1/3 cups water
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup dried apricots, chopped
1/3 cup dried cherries, chopped
2 1/2 cups (about 1 pound) couscous
1/2 cup coarsely chopped toasted slivered almonds
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, if desired

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 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

MOROCCAN JEWISH TANZEYA



Moroccan Jewish Tanzeya image

This spiced chutney made with dried fruit like prunes, apricots, figs and raisins comes from Leetal and Ron Arazi, owners of New York Shuk, a food company specializing in Sephardic and Middle Eastern Jewish cuisines. It's delicious served with chicken, beef or lamb, like the Arazis' lamb shanks with caramelized onions.

Provided by Joan Nathan

Categories     condiments

Time 1h15m

Yield 3 cups

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup prunes
1 cup dried apricots
1 cup quartered dried figs
1 cup raisins
200 grams sugar (about 1 cup)
1 stick cinnamon
1 whole cardamom pod
1 whole allspice berry
Pinch of dried chile flakes
Pinch of salt

Steps:

  • In a wide, shallow saucepan, combine prunes, apricots, figs and raisins. Add 2 cups hot water, and allow to rest for 15 minutes.
  • Add sugar and remaining ingredients. Place over high heat and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until water has almost completely evaporated, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Discard cinnamon stick and cardamom pod. Allow mixture to cool; if desired, it may be covered and refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 296, UnsaturatedFat 0 grams, Carbohydrate 77 grams, Fat 0 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 2 grams, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 43 milligrams, Sugar 53 grams

Tips:

- Use a fine-grain couscous for best results. - Toasting the couscous before cooking adds a nutty flavor. - Use a variety of dried fruits for a more complex flavor. - Add nuts and seeds for extra crunch and flavor. - Use vegetable broth instead of water for a more flavorful dish. - Saffron adds a beautiful golden color and a subtle flavor to the dish. - Serve the couscous hot or cold, as a main course or a side dish.

Conclusion:

Middle Eastern couscous with dried fruit is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed hot or cold, as a main course or a side dish. With its combination of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give this Middle Eastern couscous a try. You won't be disappointed!

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