Couscous bil Bosla (Libyan Couscous with Cinnamon-Caramelized Onions & Chickpeas) – Authentic Libya Recipe

Ingredients for Couscous bil Bosla (Libyan Couscous with Cinnamon-Caramelized Onions & Chickpeas) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) fluffy steamed semolina couscous, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups slow-caramelized sweet onions, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup plump chickpeas and pumpkin cubes
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with ground cinnamon
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Libya seasoning (Libyan bzar, rosewater-herb hint, tomato broth)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet over medium heat; sauté the onion, garlic, and ground cinnamon until golden.
2. Add Libyan bzar, rosewater-herb hint, tomato broth along with fluffy steamed semolina couscous and slow-caramelized sweet onions, searing for 4–5 minutes to build savory depth.
3. Stir in the rinsed grains/rice so every grain is coated in the spiced oil, then pour in warm stock.
4. Bring to a simmer, cover tightly with a lid, and cook on low heat for 18–20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and tender.
5. Rest off the heat for 5 minutes, fluff gently with a fork, and garnish with plump chickpeas and pumpkin cubes.