National Dish of Algeria – Saffron and Raisin Couscous

Ingredients
couscous | 1 ½ cups | |
fresh mint leaves | 2 ¼ tbsp. | |
extra virgin olive oil | ¾ tsp. | |
water | 1 ½ cups | |
Raisins | 2 oz | |
Salt | 1/4 tsp | |
Saffron powder or a few saffron threads | 1/4 tsp |
Saffron and Raisin Couscous originated in Northern Africa and is considered the national dish of Algeria. These tiny balls of semolina are cooked in various traditional ways, as they are a staple food in this country. One couscous dish that is widely popular in Algeria is couscous with saffron, raisins, and fresh mint.
Directions for Preparing Saffron and Raisin Couscous
- Pour 1 ½ cups of water into a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Add a dash of saffron powder or a few threads of saffron to the water and turn off the heat.
- Place a lid over the saucepan and let the saffron-infused hot water stand for about thirty minutes. The water will turn yellow.
- Turn the heat back on under the saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Add 1 ½ cups of couscous, olive oil, salt, and raisins. Stir the mixture, and turn off the heat.
- Replace the lid over the saucepan and let the mixture stand for another thirty minutes.
- Use a fork to fluff the grains; some may stick to each other in small clumps.
- Taste the couscous and add more seasonings if desired.
- Sprinkle the finely chopped mint leaves into the couscous and stir well.
- Serve warm with roasted vegetables, Mediterranean meats, or yogurt. Saffron and Raisin Couscous can also be served with bread and roasted fish.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 6
Calories Per Serving: 281
% Daily Value
Total Carbohydrate
56g
20%
Cholesterol
1mg
0%
Total Fat
2g
3%
Saturated Fat
1g
5%
Unsaturated Fat
1g
Trans Fat
3g
Dietary Fiber
3g
11%
Protein
9g
18%
Sodium
320mg
14%
Sugars
1g
2%
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