Halwa Dial Jeljlan

A Moroccan sesame and honey confection pressed into bite-sized balls and rolled in sesame seeds.

Ingredients

• 1 kg merguez sausage
• 2 cups flatbread
• 2 tsp finely chopped red onion
• 2 tsp ras el hanout
• 2 tbsp smen (preserved butter)
• 1 cup zucchini, sliced
• a handful of fresh parsley, chopped
• a generous spoonful of orange blossom water
• 2 cups water
• a pinch of saffron threads
• 1 cup red onions, sliced

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven (or set up your steamer or frying station) and lightly grease your pan or molds with smen (preserved butter).

2. 2

   In a large bowl, whisk together the couscous and harissa paste until evenly combined.

3. 3

   In a separate bowl, blend the pitted dates with the chicken stock until smooth and well incorporated.

4. 4

   Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, taking care not to overmix.

5. 5

   Transfer everything to your prepared pan or molds and cook — bake, steam, chill, or fry — until set, about 10 mins.

6. 6

   Remove from the heat and let it cool completely; this helps the texture firm up perfectly.

7. 7

   Garnish with cilantro or a dusting of dried apricots.

8. 8

   Slice or portion into servings and serve.

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