Middle Eastern Sweet Couscous
Transform your table with the irresistible Middle Eastern Sweet Couscous, a delicate balance of fragrant spices, dried fruits, and crunchy nuts. This quick and easy recipe features tender couscous infused with the warmth of cinnamon and cardamom, sweetened with golden honey, and complemented by juicy raisins, tangy dried apricots, and zesty orange notes. Toasted almonds and vibrant pistachios add a delightful crunch, while fresh mint and optional pomegranate seeds lend a refreshing finish and pop of color. Ready in just 20 minutes, this sweet couscous is the perfect dessert or side dish that celebrates the richness of Middle Eastern flavors while offering a light, satisfying bite. Perfect for sharing, it’s a visually stunning and flavorsome addition to any gathering!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1.25 cups water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 0.5 cup raisins
- 0.5 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 0.25 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 0.25 cup pistachios, chopped
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 0.25 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring 1.25 cups of water to a boil.
Once the water boils, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the butter, honey, cinnamon, and cardamom until fully combined.
Add the couscous to the saucepan, stir well, cover with a lid, and let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the liquid.
While the couscous is resting, toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Set aside.
Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains and transfer it to a large serving bowl.
Stir in the raisins, dried apricots, toasted almonds, pistachios, and orange zest until evenly combined.
Garnish the dish with chopped mint leaves and, if desired, sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Serve warm or at room temperature as a dessert or sweet side dish. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1459 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 58.5 g | 75% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.3 g | 86% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 348 mg | 15% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 235.2 g | 86% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.8 g | 81% | |
| Total Sugars | 160.2 g | ||
| Protein | 27.0 g | 54% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 282 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 7.5 mg | 42% | |
| Potassium | 2262 mg | 48% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
