Palestinian Maftoul with Warm Spices and Vegetables

A hearty and aromatic Middle Eastern classic

Dive into the robust flavors of Palestine with this delicious maftoul recipe, featuring warm spices and tender vegetables.

1 h 30 min
4-6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Maftoul

2 cups maftoul

Palestinian couscous

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon paprika

For the Vegetable and Chickpea Broth

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion

finely chopped

3 cloves garlic

minced

2 medium carrots

diced

1 zucchini

diced

1 red bell pepper

diced

1 can chickpeas

drained and rinsed

4 cups vegetable broth

Salt and pepper

to taste

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

For the Garnish

1/4 cup fresh parsley

chopped

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

toasted

Preparation

Marinating the Maftoul

Combine spices

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, cinnamon, and paprika.

Use fresh, high-quality spices for the most vibrant flavor.

Coat the maftoul

Drizzle mixture over the maftoul, tossing to coat evenly.

Let marinate

Let marinate while you prepare the broth.

Preparing the Vegetable and Chickpea Broth

Heat oil and sauté onions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add vegetables

Stir in garlic, carrots, zucchini, and bell pepper, sautéing for another 5 minutes.

Ensure vegetables are not overcooked to maintain a slight crunch.

Cooking Process

Sauteing the Vegetables

Continue cooking the vegetable mixture until all vegetables are slightly tender.

Use medium heat for sautéing the vegetables.

Simmering the Broth

Add chickpeas, vegetable broth, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.

Use low heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Cooking the Maftoul

In a separate saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the marinated maftoul and cook for 10-12 minutes until fluffy and tender.

Cook until maftoul is fluffy and tender.

Plating & Serving

Palestinian Maftoul with Warm Spices and Vegetables

FaUtensils

Plating & Serving

Spoon the maftoul onto a large serving platter, creating a bed topped with the warm vegetable and chickpea broth. Garnish with fresh parsley and a scattering of toasted pine nuts.

Sauce Pairings

Harissa

Adds a spicy kick

Tahini Sauce

Creamy and nutty

Garnishes & Accompaniments

Chopped cilantroLemon wedges

Perfect Sides

Warm pita bread

Fresh tabbouleh salad