Main Course · African · Dinner · Mediterranean ·

Fragrant Tunisian Couscous with Caramelized Onions and Raisins

Name: Fragrant Tunisian Couscous with Caramelized Onions and Raisins
Prep time: 23 min
Cook time: 70 min
Total time: 93 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups couscous; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth; Salt to taste; 2 large onions, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon ground coriander; ½ cup raisins; ½ cup hot water

Savor the rich, spiced taste of Tunisia with this couscous dish highlighted by the sweetness of caramelized onions and raisins, creating a balance of savory and sweet in every bite.

4.4(324 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·November 16, 2025

Fragrant Tunisian Couscous with Caramelized Onions and Raisins — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

23 min

Cook

1 h 10 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Couscous

For the Caramelized Onions

For the Spice Mix

For the Raisin Mixture

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 297 kcal
Protein: 4.7 g
Carbs: 41.5 g
Fat: 13.64 g
Fiber: 3.25 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1187 kcal
Protein: 18.9 g
Carbs: 166.01 g
Fat: 54.55 g
Fiber: 13 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
1 ½ cups couscous	326	10.5	68	0.9	3.7
2 tablespoons olive oil	238	0	0	27	0
2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth	35	3	4.5	1	0
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0
2 large onions, thinly sliced	88	2	20	0.2	3.8
1 tablespoon olive oil	119	0	0	13.5	0
1 tablespoon butter	102	0.1	0.01	11.52	0
1 tablespoon sugar	49	0	12.6	0	0
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon	6	0.1	2.1	0.03	1.3
½ teaspoon ground cumin	4	0.2	0.7	0.2	0.4
½ teaspoon ground coriander	3	0.1	0.6	0.1	0.5
½ cup raisins	217	1.9	57.5	0.3	3.3
½ cup hot water	0	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Raisins

1
Combine Raisins and Water
In a small bowl, combine the raisins and hot water.
2
Soak Raisins
Let it sit for 20 minutes until the raisins are plump.
3
Drain Raisins
Drain and set aside.

Preparing the Spice Mix

1
Mix Spices
In a small bowl, mix ground cinnamon, cumin, and coriander.
2
Set Aside
Set aside for later use.

How to Make Fragrant Tunisian Couscous with Caramelized Onions and Raisins

Total time: 1 h 33 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Toast the Couscous
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan. Add couscous and toast until golden.
2
Cook the Couscous
Pour in 2 ½ cups of broth, bring to a boil, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
3
Caramelize the Onions
In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add onions and sugar, cook on low heat until golden and soft.