How to make sweet couscous

Sweet couscous may take you a little more time to make than a bowl of cereal, but the result will be well worth it. A specialty of Morocco and Egypt, sweet couscous is typically served at the end of a meal. As it is made in this recipe, it is quite sweet; but if you cut back a bit on the honey, it may be more suitable to your taste. Here are the steps you'll need to take to make this unforgettable treat.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups couscous
• 3 cups water
• 1-3/4 cups raisins
• Boiling water to cover
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 tbsp. slivered blanched almonds
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
• 2 tbsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric
• 1 tsp. ground ginger
• Sea salt to taste
• 3 tbsp. honey
• 2 oranges, peeled, white membranes
• removed and chopped

Instructions

1. Pour the water over the couscous which you have placed in a bowl. Allow it to stand while you prepare the other ingredients.

2. In another bowl, pour the boiling water over the raisins. After you have let the fruit stand for about 15 minutes, drain the raisins and save the water, adding enough extra water to make two cups.

3. Heat the butter in a covered, heavy saucepan, then add the onions and cook under medium low heat until they turn golden brown. Transfer the butter and onions to the bottom of a steamer along with the next seven ingredients in the recipe, the raisins and the 2 cups of soaking liquid. Place the lid on the steamer and return to the stove, and cook over medium low heat, as before for about 30 minutes.

4. You will have about five minutes to prepare the couscous. Rub it between the palms of your hands, then put it into the top of the steamer. Remove the lid from the pot on the stove, insert the steamer and place the lid on the steamer. Continue cooking the savory mixture and the couscous for the remaining 25 minutes. If you are interrupted before finishing the couscous, don't despair. Simply take the mixture off of the burner until you are finished. Then put the steamer back on the stove and complete the dish.

5. Remove the lid and pour the cooked couscous into the mixture and mix, along with the oranges. Serve this dish immediately for best results. This recipe makes enough sweet couscous for eight people to enjoy.