
Saykouk (Couscous with Buttermilk)
Welcome to my table! A refreshing, simple, and cooling dish typically eaten in summer, consisting of steamed couscous submerged in cold buttermilk. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
Ingredients
- Leftover or freshly steamed couscous
- Cold Lben (fermented buttermilk)
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
What makes this dish a true Masterpiece?
Start by gathering your ingredients. The magic always begins with patience and the right spices.
Steam the couscous and let it cool completely.
Place a portion of cold couscous in a bowl.
Pour cold buttermilk generously over the top.
Stir and eat with a spoon.
Serve immediately in the center of the table. In Morocco, we never eat alone—Karam (hospitality) demands we share!
Authentic Tips
- Never pour hot broth over the couscous until just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Medina Kitchen Experts
Authentic recipe sourced and verified by our local culinary experts. Deeply rooted in Moroccan heritage and family traditions.
Pair It With

Trust us, have a glass with this. It cuts the richness perfectly.
Tags
Want More Moroccan Recipes?
Get Them in Your Inbox.
We send out real recipes, honest food stories, and tips you won't find anywhere else. No spam.
Recommended For You

Couscous with Milk and Pumpkin
Welcome to my table! A delicate, comforting dish often served for dinner. Couscous steamed and then simmered briefly in hot milk with chunks of sweet pumpkin. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.

Traditional Saykouk
Welcome to my table! The ultimate summer refresher. Steamed couscous grains mixed with cold, churned buttermilk (Lben). Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.

Couscous with Tfaya
Welcome to my table! A celebratory couscous dish topped with caramelized raisins and onions (Tfaya), often served with chicken or lamb. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.

Couscous Tfaya (Caramelized Onions & Raisins)
Welcome to my table! A festive, sweet-and-savory couscous topped with a rich, cinnamon-laced jam of caramelized onions and raisins. Rooted deeply in our Berber and Andalusian heritage, this is more than just a dish—it's a story told through spices. Trust me, you'll need plenty of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.