Maghrebi Sweet Couscous Seffa Recipes

MAGHREBI SWEET COUSCOUS (SEFFA)

Steps:

• 1. Pour the boiling water over the couscous and salt, cover, and let stand for 10 minutes. (If using regular couscous, after soaking, toss with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, place in a colander, and steam over boiling water, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes.) Stir to fluff.
• 2. Stir the sugar and cinnamon into the butter. Pour over the couscous and toss to coat. Gradually add enough milk to moisten the couscous.
• 3. Mound the couscous on a large platter and sprinkle with the additional cinnamon. Or for individual servings, pack into custard cups and invert onto serving plates.
• VARIATIONS
• Couscous Hillo (Moroccan Fruited Couscous):
• Add 3/4 cup raisins, 3/4 cup chopped pitted dates, 3/4 cup chopped dried apricots, 3/4 cup chopped blanched almonds, and 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or 1/3 cup pine nuts.
• Couscous de Cérémonie:
• Mounded couscous is featured on special occasions, such as weddings and bar mitzvahs. Pack half of the couscous mixture into a large bowl, sprinkle with 2/3 cup ground toasted blanched almonds, top with the remaining couscous, invert onto a serving platter, and sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Garnish with datils rellenos.

SEFFA (SWEET COUSCOUS WITH ALMOND MILK)

Steps:

• Combine the milk and almonds in a saucepan with a lid and bring to a boil over medium/high heat.
• Turn off the heat, cover and let sit while you proceed with the recipe.
• Put 2 tablespoons of the butter in a medium saucepan and turn heat to medium/low.
• When butter melts, add the couscous and cook stirring for 1 minute.
• Add 2 1/4 cups water and a pinch of salt.
• Bring to a boil, then turn heat down very low.
• Cover and cook until all the liquid is absorbed, about 7-12 minutes.
• While the couscous is cooking, soak the raisins, apricots and dates in warm water.
• Pour the couscous into a large serving bowl and stir in the remaining butter along with the drained fruit.
• Fluff the couscous and break up any lumps.
• Add the sugar and cinnamon and stir and taste to adjust seasonings if needed.
• Strain the almond milk and pour over the couscous and serve.