Couscous Saffae
Ingredients (serves 6):
2 litres (3 1/4 pts) warm water
1 kg (2 lb 4 oz) couscous
60 ml (2 floz) extra virgin olive oil
15 g (1/2 oz) salt
60 g (2 oz) butter
250 g (8 oz) raisins
100 g (3 oz) almonds, grilled & powdered
60 ml (2 floz) orange blossom water
60 g (2 oz) crystallized sugar
15 g (1/2 oz) icing sugar
100 g (3 oz) cinnamon sticks, crumbled
Heat the water in a large saucepan. Mix the couscous with the olive oil, then place in the hot water together with the salt. Leave to cook for about 10 minutes on a low heat, stirring well from time to time, until the water has been absorbed by the couscous.
Tip the couscous into a large bowl, add the butter, raisins, almonds, orange blossom water and crystallized sugar, and mix thoroughly.
Shape the couscous into a large dome and serve on a large platter. Sprinkle with the icing sugar and crumbled cinnamon sticks to finish.