Mesfouf Qsentena - Sweet Couscous With Dates & Nuts

Um Safia's Note:

This dish is a regional speciality of an area of Algeria called Constantine. For best results, use freshly steamed couscous. This dish is often served with laben aka buttermilk. You can substitute raisins for the dates, just soak them for 5 mins in hot water.

• Total Time: 10 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 kg fine couscous , cooked (preferably steamed)
• 300 g walnuts (or other nuts)
• 200 g dates
• 80 -100 g butter , softened
• 80 -100 g ghee
• ½ teaspoon salt
• sugar

Directions:

1. Place the cooked couscous in a large bowl & mix in the salt.
2. De-stone the dates & roughly chop them. Chop the walnuts into relatively small pieces (about the size of a pea).
3. Starting with 80g of each of the butter & the ghee, mix them into the couscous - the best way to do this is with your hands, Rub the couscous between your fingertips & palms until the grains are evenly coated.
4. Set aside 2 tbsp of the dates & of the walnuts, mix the remainder into to the couscous & mix well until evenly distributed.
5. Taste & add more butter or ghee if desired.
6. Transfer the couscous to a large serving bowl & decorate with the reserved dates & walnuts. Sprinkle a little sugar over the top of the couscous & serve.
7. Allow people to add their own sugar to taste.