06 Jun 2025
Cook time 45 min
Prep time 35 min
Ingredients:
2 tbsp walnuts
1/3 cup couscous
1 cup water
1 tbsp almonds
2 tbsp butter
2 tsp brown sugar
1 tbsp currants
1 tsp cinnamon
4 apples
1/2 cup honey
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp cardamom
1 cinnamon stick
Couscous-stuffed apples with honey syrup is a delightful and nutritious dessert that combines tender baked apples with a deliciously spiced couscous filling. This recipe is perfect for any occasion and provides a unique twist to the traditional baked apple. It is easy to prepare and involves a wonderful blend of flavors from nuts, currants, and warm spices.
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Chop the walnuts and almonds into small pieces.
2. Cook the Couscous:
- Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan.
- Once boiling, remove from heat, add the couscous, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes or until the couscous has absorbed the water.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork once ready.
3. Make the Filling:
- In a medium pan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Add the chopped walnuts and almonds, and sauté until lightly toasted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked couscous, brown sugar, currants, and ground cinnamon to the pan. Mix well to combine.
- Let the mixture cook for another 2 minutes, then set aside.
4. Prepare the Apples:
- Wash the apples and cut off the tops as if you were making a lid. Set these lids aside for later use.
- Carefully scoop out the core and seeds from each apple using a spoon or an apple corer, creating a hollow center for the filling.
5. Fill and Bake the Apples:
- Stuff each hollowed apple with the couscous mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
- Place the apple lids back on top of each stuffed apple.
- Arrange the stuffed apples in a baking dish.
6. Prepare the Honey Syrup:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of butter, ground cardamom, and the cinnamon stick.
- Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth and well incorporated, roughly 3-4 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick before using.
7. Bake:
- Pour the honey syrup over the apples in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and cooked through.
8. Serve:
- Remove the baked apples from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Drizzle additional honey syrup from the baking dish over each apple before serving.
Enjoy your warm, aromatic couscous-stuffed apples with a delightful honey syrup!
Tips:
- Choose firm apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
- For a different flavor profile, experiment with other dried fruits such as raisins or dried cranberries.
- If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of sugar and honey in the recipe.
- To save time, prepare the couscous filling while the apples are being prepped and cored.
Couscous-stuffed apples with honey syrup is a versatile and satisfying dessert that impresses with its delightful combination of textures and flavors. Whether you're serving this dish for a special event or enjoying it as a cozy treat at home, it's sure to be a hit with both children and adults alike. With just a few simple steps, you can create a deliciously memorable dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of apples and the heartiness of couscous.