Description
The perfect Middle Eastern comfort food for cold weather. Unlike the smaller North African couscous, maftoul grains are larger and more satisfying, perfect for absorbing the rich, spiced broth they’re cooked in.
Ingredients
For the Maftoul:
2 cups (400 g) maftoul (Palestinian couscous)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp ground coriander (or 7 spices blend, optional—see recipe notes)
1 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup (200 g) chickpeas (cooked or canned, drained and rinsed)
For Garnish:
1/2 cup (120 g) yogurt (optional, for serving)
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Sumac, to sprinkle
Instructions
1. Prepare the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the garlic, cumin, coriander (or 7 spices, if using), allspice, and cinnamon. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
2. Toast the Maftoul
- Add the maftoul to the pot and stir to coat the grains in the spiced oil. Toast for about 5 minutes or until lightly golden and fragrant.
3. Add the Stock and Simmer
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and stir well. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the maftoul has absorbed the liquid and is tender.
4. Add the Chickpeas
- Once the maftoul is cooked, stir in the chickpeas and allow them to warm through for 2-3 minutes.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Garnish with yogurt (if using), fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of sumac. Serve warm.
Notes
Stock: For this dish, I used a homemade lamb stock that I seasoned well with salt, pepper, Middle Eastern 7 Spice Mix, and several aromatics like carrot, celery, leek, onion, garlic, and parsley.
If you prefer to use store-bought stock, you can add additional salt, pepper, and Middle Eastern 7 Spice Mix to taste.
Serving: I served this with a lamb broth that had tender pieces of slow-cooked lamb to spoon on top.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Palestinian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 240g
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0g