Name: Savory Pumpkin Maftoul: Unique Twist on Pearl Couscous
Prep time: 1 hour
Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Morroccan, Palestinian, World

Savory Pumpkin Maftoul: Unique Twist on Pearl Couscous

July 25th, 2024 By: Riwa Saied Image: EatandConnect.com

Explore this unique Pearl Couscous recipe, offering a delightful twist on traditional Palestinian Maftoul. This recipe below combines the hearty, nutty flavor of Maftoul with a savory pumpkin and vegetable stew, creating a comforting and delicious meal.

Maftoul or Pearl Couscous is a staple dish of Palestine that has originated in Morocco and made its way to Palestine. Although Maftoul comes from the couscous family, it is different than couscous because it is actually made with bulgar and wheat flour using a special method by hand where the bulgar is moistened with water and then mixed with the flour and rolled between fingers in a circular motion till each granule reaches about 3 mm round pearls. Couscous, on the other hand is made with semolina and white flour and is, of course, much smaller. Although it is not uncommon to find people still making Maftoul from scratch, great quality Maftoul, also known as Pearl Couscous or Giant Couscous or Mughrabiyeh is very often bought in stores in dry form. A great thing about Maftoul granules is its ability to absorb any broth that comes its way during cooking, making each granule a delight to every bite.

Ingredients

Pearl Couscous or Dry Maftoul Granules - 3 cups
Low Sodium Chicken Broth – 4 cups
Caraway Powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Cinnamon Powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Nutmeg Powder – a dash
Salt – 1 teaspoon
Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon
Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons
Butter – 2 tablespoons
Pumpkin, Peeled, Cubed – 3 pounds
Carrots, Peeled, Sliced into thick pieces – 2 large
Eggplant, peeled, Cubed – 1 large
Chick Peas – 2 cups
Pearl Onions, Peeled, Rinsed – 2 cups
Sweet Potato, Peeled, Cubed – 1 large
Tomatoes – 5
Garlic – 6 Cloves, chopped in quarters

Steps

Step 1
Prepare Onions and Tomatoes

Peel the onion pearls, wash, and drain. Do not chop the onions, leave them whole. Set aside.
Step 2
Make an (X) at the bottom of each tomato, soak in hot boiling water for one minute and then soak in cold water for another minute. Peal the tomatoes starting at the bottom and remove remains of tomato stem. Run the tomatoes through the food processor till well pureed. Set aside.
Step 3
Cook The Maftoul (Couscous)

Wash your Maftoul / Pearl Couscous in strainer and drain from excess water.
Step 4
In a cooking pot over medium-high heat, combine the couscous with chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the couscou has expanded. If the couscous isn’t soft enough, add a bit of hot water and cook for a little longer as needed. Once done, turn off the heat.
Step 5
Cook Pumpkin and Vegetables Medley

In a large pot, under medium high heat, heat olive oil and add pearl onions, pumpkin and sweet potato, stirring gently and cooking for about 5 or 6 minutes till they start to brown. Lower heat to medium.
Step 6
Add carrots to the cooking pot and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, stirring gently with wooden spoon.
Step 7
Now, add the eggplants and stir gently into the pot. Cook for about 3 minutes.
Step 8
Add the tomato puree to the vegetables with the garlic cloves. Add butter and stir gently for 3 minutes.
Step 9
Add cinnamon, salt, black pepper, a dash of nutmeg, and caraway to the vegetables. Add 2 cups of water to the vegetables and allow to simmer on medium low heat for about 30 – 40 minutes (till garlic is soft). Transfer to a serving plate.
Step 10
Finish Your Dish

Transfer the warmed, cooked Maftoul to serving plate. Serve with the Pumpkin and Vegetable Medley. Your Pearl Couscous recipe is ready!

Savory Pumpkin Maftoul: Unique Twist on Pearl Couscous