MESFOUF

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This Recipe Serves 2

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Mesfouf also known as Farka is a Tunisian & Algerian breakfast consisting of sweetened steamed couscous.

I know what you’re thinking, how can couscous be sweetened because it is so often eaten as a savoury dish & added as a side to any meal. Well, let me just say that this “breakfast” is so yum that it can even be eaten as a dessert. If you didn’t already know,  couscous is actually semolina that has been rolled in flour & processed together, so yes it can be enjoyed as a sweet dish too.

If you havent tried Mesfouf / Farka as yet, I highly recommend giving it a try – even the kids are going to love it.

Note that if you add orange blossom water to this then it becomes a Moroccan dessert called Seffa – cool right!

 

Mesfouf Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons chopped mixed nuts
• ½ cup chopped mixed dried fruits
• ½ cup couscous
• ¼ cup white granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ½ cup water
• little cold or hot milk

 

Method:

1. Firstly, chop up the mixed nuts, I’ve used cashews, hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds & pecans.
2. 
3. Chop up the dried fruit, I have used prunes, apricots, peaches, pears & dates.
4. 
5. To a medium bowl, add in the couscous & set this aside until ready to use.
6. 
7. To a small pot on medium heat, pour in the water, add in the white granulated sugar & the vegetable oil. I am using my 16cm AMC pot for this recipe.
8. 
9. Mix until the sugar dissolves & allow the mixture to come to a boil.
10. 
11. Thereafter, remove the pot from the heat.
12. 
13. Pour the sweetened mixture into the bowl of couscous whilst it’s still hot.
14. 
15. Mix well.
16. 
17. Cover the bowl of couscous with either a lid or plastic wrap & allow it to stand for 10 minutes. The hot liquid will steam the couscous.
18. 
19. After 10 minutes, remove the lid or plastic wrap & notice how all the liquid has been absorbed into the couscous.
20. 
21. Use a fork & fluff up the couscous.
22. 
23. Now it’s time to add in 2 tablespoons of chopped nuts.
24. 
25. Add in the chopped dried fruits.
26. 
27. Mix everything together.
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29. 
30. Spoon the couscous into ramekins.
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32. 
33. Pop it into your air fryer basket – I’m using my Instant Vortex Air fryer.
34. 
35. Press the “Air Fry” button on the Instant Vortex Air Fryer. Adjust the “Time” to 00:05 (5 Minutes) & the “Temperature” to 180° Celsius. Alternatively, this can be done in the oven – set the time to 10 minutes at 180° Celsius.
36. 
37. Once done, the couscous should be slightly golden on the top.
38. 
39. Carefully remove it from the air fryer or oven. Plate & top with the remaining 1 tablespoon chopped nuts.
40. 
41. 
42. Thereafter, pour over some hot or cold milk.
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44. This Mesfouf / Farka is ready to be served.
45.