If you’ve been in Tunisian households or restaurants, you might have come across the word “Masfouf”. It is considered a Tunisian sweet dish that is usually served in traditional gatherings such a Ramadan. It is basically a sweet version of Tunisian Couscous. It is soaked in sweet milk and mixed with nuts, raisins, dates, and bananas.
Tunisian Masfouf
I was introduced to Masfouf during my first Ramadan an my in-laws’ house. They usually make it every morning for S’hoor. I never liked the concept of a sweet Couscous, but when I tried my mother-in-law’s Mesfouf, I was sold! She has – hand down- the BEST Masfouf ever!
So, of course I had to get the recipe from her. I did however try and make it a little healthier. I don’t like using sugar so much, so I changed the sugar to honey. If you don’t have honey, you can easily use sugar and it would taste as good, if not better.
MASFOUF INGREDIENTS: (serves 4 bowls)
For the Couscous base:
- 3/4 cup Couscous
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
For the add-ons:
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- 2 tbsp yellow raisins
- 1 tsp geranium water
- 1/3 cup mixed nuts (I used almonds and walnuts, but you can use whatever you have)
- 1 banana
For the cream:
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 packet prepared custard powder
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp geranium water
Tunisian Masfouf Recipe
How to make Tunisian Masfouf:
- Start by prepping the Couscous with olive oil and water. Place in a steamer pot and let it steam for 30 min.
- In the meantime, wash and chop the dates, the nuts, and let the raisins soak in geranium water mixed with water.
- Heat the milk and add the honey until milk is hot and honey is melted.
- Remove the Couscous from the stove and pour the milk on top, mix gently with a spoon or fork, and cover for 5 minute until the Couscous absorbs the liquid.
- Add the dates, nuts, and raisins with the geranium water. Then add a chopped banana. Mix gently and set aside.
- For the cream, mix the powdered custard packet with cold milk and sugar or honey. Put on the stove and mix until it thickens and you get a nice vanilla custard. Turn off the heat and add a splash of geranium water.
- To assemble, scoop the Mesfouf into individuals bowls leaving space for the cream layer and another layer of masfouf. Decorate with sliced bananas and more nuts.
- Enjoy it for breakfast or as a dessert. Saha!
Happy cooking!
#TasteTunisia initiative
This Tunisian Masfouf recipe is part of the #TasteTunisia initiative. In search of Tunisian cuisine, through a series of articles/videos, Carthage Magazine offers a window to the Tunisian food and recipes.
The Taste Tunisia initiative is supported by Carthage Magazine and led by international registered dietitians-nutritionists from Tunisia, making it the ultimate initiative that celebrates and promotes Tunisian cuisine.
#TasteTunisia Recipes:
- The Best Authentic Tunisian Rice Dish — “Rouz Jerbi”
- Mlewi: The Most Popular Tunisian Flatbread
- Lablebi: One of Tunisia’s Most Popular Street Foods
- The Famous “Khobz Ch3ir” — Tunisian Barley Bread
- Tunisian Mloukhiya, Your Grandma’s Favorite Dish (& Likely Yours, Too!)
- Tunisia’s Seafood Pasta — A Tunisian Delicacy
- Tunisia’s National Dish: COUSCOUS
- Omek Houria: Tunisian Mashed Carrot Salad
- Tunisian Stuffed Peppers: “Felfel Mehchi”
- The Coziest Vegetable Stew — Tunisia’s Go-To Dish for the Cold Months
- The Best Tunisian Grilled Salad — Salad Mechouia
- Tunisian-Style Stuffed Dates — Tunisia’s Healthiest Sweet Appetizer
- Date & Walnut Bread — The Perfect Healthy Dessert
- Kafteji: a Healthy Version of your Favorite Tunisian Dish
- Tunisia’s Traditional Mini Doughnuts: Kaa’k Yoyo
- A Unique Pizza with a Taste of Tunisia: Harissa Infused Veggie Pizza
- Mom’s Orange Cake — Tunisia’s Winter Dessert
- Assidat Zgougou — Tunisia’s Sweetness in a Bowl
- Tunisia’s Octopus Salad: The Best Tunisian Seafood Salad
- Tajine El Bey: Tunisia’s Finest Appetizer
- The Traditional, Most Authentic Tunisian Pumpkin Shakshuka
- Tunisian Breakfast for Champions: “Zamit” with Pomegranate
- Tunisia’s Lentil Soup – Your Favorite Winter Warmer Dish
- All Tunisian food recipes.
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