Mesfouf (couscous with peas and fava beans)

Mesfouf (couscous with peas and fava beans) is a medium North African recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by MaxiRecettes on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 45 min

Cost: $7.90 total, $1.98 per serving

Ingredients

  • 300 g Medium couscous (wheat semolina) (Grain already steamed or to be prepared according to package instructions)
  • 300 g Frozen peas (Can be replaced with fresh peas if available)
  • 300 g Frozen fava beans (Ideally fresh, but frozen give excellent results)
  • 50 g Unsalted butter (To be incorporated hot into the couscous)
  • 1 cuillère à soupe Extra virgin olive oil (Approximately 15 ml)
  • 1 cuillère à café Salt (Adjust to taste)
  • 200 ml Buttermilk or kefir (optional, for serving) (Traditional accompaniment, to pour over the couscous before eating)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the couscous (if not pre‑cooked)

    Moisten the semolina with a little water, work it by hand, then steam it in the couscoussier for about 20 minutes, fluffing it with a fork between each steaming.

    Time: PT1H

  2. Bring the couscoussier water to a boil

    Fill the lower part of the couscoussier with water, cover, and bring to a boil.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Steam the peas and fava beans

    Place the frozen peas and fava beans in the steam basket, lightly salt, cover, and steam for 30 minutes or until tender.

    Time: PT30M

  4. Drain and season the vegetables

    Remove the vegetables from the basket, drain quickly and add a pinch of salt. Mix lightly.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Incorporate the butter and olive oil into the couscous

    Melt the butter with the olive oil, then add it to the hot couscous. Stir gently so the fat is evenly absorbed.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Mix the vegetables with the couscous

    Fold the peas and fava beans into the couscous, lifting gently to keep the grain light.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Serve with buttermilk or kefir

    Place the mesfouf in a serving dish, drizzle with buttermilk or kefir according to preference, and enjoy hot.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
12 g
Carbohydrates
55 g
Fat
10 g
Fiber
8 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, low-calorie, high-fiber

Allergens: Milk, Butter

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Mesfouf (couscous with peas and fava beans)

Recipe by MaxiRecettes

Discover Mesfouf, a traditional Algerian couscous made with peas and fava beans, flavored with butter and olive oil, served with buttermilk or kefir. A simple, vegetarian recipe full of Maghreb flavors.

MediumNorth AfricanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
15m
Prep
1h 35m
Cook
13m
Cleanup
2h 3m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.90
Total cost
$1.98
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Steaming the peas and fava beans (30 min).
  • Incorporating the butter and olive oil into the hot couscous.

Safety Warnings

  • Beware of the very hot steam from the couscoussier; handle with kitchen gloves.
  • Melted butter can be very hot; avoid splatters.

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