Libyan Sweet Masfouf
A delightful sweet couscous dish, Masfouf is a staple in Libyan cuisine, especially during celebrations. It features fluffy couscous steamed and then mixed with butter, honey, and often topped with nuts and dried fruits.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Medium grain couscous
- 500 ml Water(for steaming)
- 100 g Butter(unsalted)
- 150 ml Honey(or to taste)
- 50 g Sugar(optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 50 g Chopped almonds(for garnish)
- 50 g Chopped pistachios(for garnish)
- 50 g Raisins(optional, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the couscous under cold water, then drain well. Place it in a large bowl and sprinkle with a little salt and a tablespoon of olive oil (optional, to prevent sticking).
💡 Tip: Ensure couscous is not clumped. - 2
Prepare a couscous steamer (or a pot with a steamer basket). Add water to the bottom pot and bring to a boil.
💡 Tip: Ensure the water level is below the steamer basket. - 3
Place the couscous in the steamer basket, cover, and steam for about 20 minutes, or until the grains are fluffy and cooked through. You may need to stir it once halfway through.
- 4
Transfer the steamed couscous back to the large bowl. Add the butter and gently mix until melted and evenly distributed.
💡 Tip: The couscous should be hot when adding butter. - 5
In a small saucepan, gently heat the honey and sugar (if using) until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the ground cinnamon.
- 6
Pour the warm honey mixture over the couscous and mix gently until well combined. Add more honey if desired.
💡 Tip: Don't overmix, as it can make the couscous gummy. - 7
Serve the sweet masfouf warm, garnished with chopped almonds, pistachios, and raisins.
💡 Tip: Can be served as a dessert or a special breakfast.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use good quality couscous for the best texture.
- ✓Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of orange blossom water.
🔄 Variations
- Add a handful of dried apricots or figs.
- Mix in some rosewater for a floral aroma.