🇲🇦 Moroccan Cuisine · Drinks

Carob Drink

Prep

5 mins

Cook

15 mins

Serves

4

Difficulty

Easy

A warming, mildly sweet drink brewed from dried carob pods, traditionally consumed for its nutritional properties.

Ingredients

  • 600g lamb shanks
  • 2 cups vermicelli noodles
  • 1 tbsp sliced shallots
  • 1 1/2 tsp saffron threads
  • 2 tbsp smen (preserved butter)
  • a generous handful of red bell peppers
  • a handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
  • a generous spoonful of preserved lemon
  • 400ml chicken stock
  • 1/2 tsp ras el hanout

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine the couscous and vegetable stock in a saucepan, blender, or pitcher, stirring well.

  2. 2

    Add the ras el hanout and preserved lemon, stirring gently so their flavor infuses the mixture.

  3. 3

    Heat gently over low heat (or blend, or steep, depending on the drink) until well combined and fragrant, about 15 mins.

  4. 4

    Strain through a fine sieve to remove any solids, if needed.

  5. 5

    Sweeten to taste with dried apricots, adjusting gradually until the balance feels right.

  6. 6

    Chill in the refrigerator, or pour straight over ice, depending on whether it is served cold or hot.

  7. 7

    Garnish with parsley just before serving.

  8. 8

    Pour into your favorite glass or cup and enjoy.

Tips

Adjust the sweetness gradually, tasting as you go — you can always add more dried apricots, but you cannot take it away.

Serve in a chilled glass for the most refreshing result on a hot day.