On the sixth day of Chanukah Tunisians celebrate Rosh Hodesh El Bneit or Fete des Filles — the festival of the girls. Girls are the centre of attention for that day. They receive presents from their parents and fiancées and farka — a Tunisian sweet cake of couscous, walnuts and dried fruit is served.

METHOD

You will need a large sieve that will fit over a large pan in order to steam the couscous.

• In a bowl, wash the couscous. Let it drain on the sieve.
• Reserve the whole walnuts and a few dried cranberries and raisins for the decoration.
• Return the drained couscous to the bowl and add the sugar, sunflower oil, ground walnuts and the remaining mixed cranberries and raisins.
• Cut the dates in small pieces and add them to the couscous.
• Mix all the ingredients in the bowl if possible by hand or with a large fork in order to blend them all together and mash the dates almost to a puree in the couscous.
• Half fill a large pan with water and bring to the boil. Place the mixture in the large sieve and place it over the pan of simmering water. Cover the sieve with a lid.
• Steam the covered couscous for approximately 30-45 minutes, stirring regularly to make sure all the ingredients blend together. Do not let the pan boil dry.
• Let it cool and add the orange juice and zest and a few drops of almonds extract.
• Mix well and put in a square 22-25cm dish. Decorate with walnuts, dried cranberries and raisins and refrigerate overnight.
• Serve on the sixth day of Chanukah.
   

homecookingbyfabienne