Couscous with Dried Fruit and Honey
Category: Desserts
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Couscous | 180g |
| Orange Juice | 1 (freshly squeezed) |
| Cinnamon Sticks | 1 |
| Star Anise | 1 |
| Cloves | 2 |
| Honey | 2 tbsp |
| Cardamom Pods | 2 |
| Raisins | 30g |
| Pine Nuts | 30g |
| Walnuts | 30g |
| Butter | 20g |
Instructions:
- Soak the Raisins: Begin by soaking the raisins in a bowl of hot water. Let them soften for a few minutes, then drain them well.
- Prepare the Citrus Liquid: Squeeze the juice of one fresh orange into a measuring cup. Add water to the orange juice until the total volume reaches 200 ml. Pour this liquid into a small saucepan.
- Infuse the Aromatics: Add the cinnamon stick, star anise, and cloves to the orange juice mixture. Gently heat the mixture over medium-low heat, bringing it to a simmer. Allow the flavors to infuse, releasing the aromatic spices.
- Cook the Couscous: While the spices are infusing, place the couscous in a large mixing bowl. Add the butter and fluff the couscous with a fork to ensure it’s coated evenly. This will make the couscous light and airy once cooked.
- Toast the Nuts: In a non-stick skillet, lightly toast the pine nuts and walnuts over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning without burning.
- Combine the Liquid and Couscous: Once the aromatic liquid is ready, strain it to remove the solid spices. Pour the strained liquid over the couscous. Let the couscous absorb the liquid completely. This should take about 5 minutes, allowing the grains to swell and soften without becoming mushy.
- Finish the Couscous: After the couscous has absorbed the liquid, fluff it gently with a fork. Add the soaked raisins, toasted pine nuts, and chopped walnuts. Stir to combine.
- Add Honey and Serve: Drizzle the honey over the couscous mixture and stir to evenly distribute the sweetness. Serve warm for a delightful dessert.
This warm, fragrant couscous dessert combines the richness of honey with the sweet tang of dried fruits and the earthy crunch of toasted nuts, making for a satisfying, comforting treat.
