Main Course · Side Dish · Middle Eastern · African ·

Moroccan Berber Wheat Couscous with Saffron and Raisins

Name: Moroccan Berber Wheat Couscous with Saffron and Raisins
Prep time: 27 min
Cook time: 80 min
Total time: 107 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Whole wheat couscous, 2 cups; Chicken or vegetable broth, 2 cups; Saffron threads, 1 pinch; Olive oil, 1 tablespoon; Salt, 1 teaspoon; Golden raisins, 1/2 cup; Warm water, 1 cup; Orange blossom water, 2 tablespoons; Chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup; Toasted almond slivers, 1/4 cup; Ground cumin, 1 tablespoon

This Moroccan couscous recipe combines the earthiness of saffron with the sweetness of raisins, creating a perfect balance of flavors. It makes a delightful side dish for any Middle Eastern meal or a

5(576 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·September 13, 2025

Moroccan Berber Wheat Couscous with Saffron and Raisins — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

27 min

Cook

1 h 20 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Couscous

For the Raisin Mixture

For the Aromatics

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 241 kcal
Protein: 6.53 g
Carbs: 38.97 g
Fat: 7.5 g
Fiber: 4.78 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 965 kcal
Protein: 26.13 g
Carbs: 155.86 g
Fat: 30.01 g
Fiber: 19.1 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Whole wheat couscous 2 cups	440	16	90	2	12
Chicken or vegetable broth 2 cups	30	2	1	1	0
Saffron threads 1 pinch	1	0.03	0.16	0.01	0
Olive oil 1 tablespoon	120	0	0	14	0
Salt 1 teaspoon	0	0	0	0	0
Golden raisins 1/2 cup	217	2	57	0	3
Warm water 1 cup	0	0	0	0	0
Orange blossom water 2 tablespoons	2	0	0.5	0	0
Chopped fresh parsley 1/4 cup	1	0.1	0.2	0	0.1
Toasted almond slivers 1/4 cup	132	5	4	12	3
Ground cumin 1 tablespoon	22	1	3	1	1

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Raisin Mixture

1
Combine raisins and water
In a small bowl, combine the golden raisins and warm water.
2
Add orange blossom water
Add the orange blossom water.
3
Soak and drain
Let it soak for 30 minutes, then drain.

Preparing the Couscous

1
Heat broth
In a medium pot, bring the broth to a simmer.
2
Add saffron
Add the saffron threads to the broth and stir.
3
Cook couscous
Add the couscous, olive oil, and salt; stir once and cover.
Tip: Do not lift the lid of the pot until it's time to fluff the couscous.

How to Make Moroccan Berber Wheat Couscous with Saffron and Raisins

Total time: 1 h 47 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Steeping
Allow the couscous to sit covered for 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2
Draining
Strain the raisins after they have absorbed the aromatic liquid.
3
Combining
Mix couscous with the drained raisins and toasted almonds.