Maftoul or Palestinian couscous is a traditional staple food in Palestine, typically made and served on special occasions and holidays. Although maftoul is considered as a special type of couscous it is made from different ingredients and it also has a different shape. Maftoul is an Arabic word derived from the root “fa-ta-la” which means to roll or to twist, which exactly describes the method used to make Maftoul by hand rolling bulgur with wheat flour. The wheat is boiled, sun-dried and cracked and hand-rolled in freshly ground organic whole-wheat flour, then steamed and sun-dried.
Maftoul is traditionally cooked using special cooking equipment to steam it. Chickpeas are added to make it heartier, and onion to make it flavorful. Warm spices add depth and complexity to the dish.