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Maftoul – Palestinian Couscous


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4.9 from 10 reviews

  • Author: Faith Gorsky
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Diet: Gluten-Free, Omnivore, Vegetarian

Description

Hearty Palestinian couscous, perfect for a chilly evening. Larger grains soak up the flavorful spiced broth.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 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
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 4 cups (946 ml) chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1 cup (200 g) chickpeas
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) yogurt
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • Sumac

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Aromatics
  2. 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, allspice, and cinnamon. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
  3. Toast the Maftoul
  4. Add the maftoul to the pot and stir to coat the grains in the spiced oil. Toast for about 5 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.
  5. Add the Stock and Simmer
  6. 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.
  7. Add the Chickpeas
  8. Once the maftoul is cooked, stir in the chickpeas and allow them to warm through for 2-3 minutes.
  9. Garnish and Serve
  10. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Garnish with yogurt, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of sumac. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought.
  • If you don’t have maftoul, you can substitute Israeli couscous, but cooking time may vary.
  • Leftover Maftoul can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Palestinian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 300
  • Fat: 15
  • Saturated Fat: 3
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55
  • Fiber: 8
  • Protein: 10
  • Cholesterol: 10