A 500g package of authentic Algerian Berkoukes large-grain couscous front.

A 500g package of authentic Algerian Berkoukes large-grain couscous back.

Algerian Berkoukes – Premium 500g Pack

Name: Algerian Berkoukes – Premium 500g Pack
Brand: YAYA
SKU: 10
Price: 4.64 EUR
Availability: InStock

YAYA

€4.64

(€9.28 / kg)

Tax included

Discover the rich culinary heritage of Algeria with our premium 500g Berkoukes. Also known as Aich or large-grain couscous, these traditional hand-rolled pasta pearls are the heart of authentic North African comfort food.

Perfect for thick, spicy winter stews packed with vegetables, meat, or chicken, this 500g pack of Algerian Berkoukes is the ideal size for a generous family meal. Made from high-quality durum wheat, it absorbs flavors beautifully while maintaining its signature tender texture. Bring the taste of Algeria to your kitchen today!

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Berkoukes (also known as Aych or Mardoud in some regions) is a deeply comforting, traditional Algerian dish rooted in Berber culinary history. It is a hearty winter stew featuring large, hand-rolled semolina pasta pearls cooked in a rich, fragrantly spiced tomato-based broth.

Traditionally prepared for special occasions, family gatherings, and to celebrate the birth of a newborn, Berkoukes is designed to warm the body and stimulate the senses with its signature blend of herbs and North African spices.

How to Cook the Perfect Berkoukes Stew (500g Recipe)

Ingredients You Will Need

The Pasta: 500g dry Berkoukes (large semolina pearls)
The Meat: 500g lamb, beef, or chicken (cut into pieces)
The Base: 1 large onion (finely grated), 3 cloves of garlic (minced), 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 fresh tomatoes (pureed)
The Pulses & Veggies: 1 cup chickpeas (soaked overnight), 2 carrots (diced), 1 zucchini (diced), 1 potato (diced), 1/2 cup green peas (optional)
The Aromatics: A large handful of fresh coriander (cilantro) and a few sprigs of mint
The Spices: 1 tbsp Ras el Hanout, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp cumin, salt, and black pepper to taste
Fat: 2 tbsp olive oil or Smen (clarified butter)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1.Prepare the Stew Base :15 min.

In a large heavy-bottomed pot or the bottom of a couscoussier, heat the oil or smen. Add the meat pieces, grated onion, and minced garlic. Sear until the meat color turns golden brown. Add the Ras el Hanout, paprika, ginger, cumin, salt, and pepper, stirring to coat the meat and release the aromas.

2.Simmer the Broth :40 min.

Stir in the tomato paste and pureed tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes, then add the chickpeas, diced carrots, and half of the fresh chopped coriander. Pour in about 1.5 to 2 liters of hot water. Cover and let it simmer on medium heat until the meat and chickpeas are nearly tender.

3.Steam the Berkoukes Pearls :20 min (Parallel step).

While the sauce simmers, coat the dry 500g of Berkoukes pearls with 1 tablespoon of oil. Place them in the steamer basket (keskes) over the simmering stew. Steam for 15 minutes. Remove the pearls, transfer them to a wide bowl, sprinkle with a splash of water and salt, fluff with a fork, and let them rest.

4.Add Vegetables and Combine :15-20 min.

Add the diced zucchini, potatoes, and peas to the boiling broth. Let them cook for 10 minutes. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if needed.

5.The Final Plunge :5-10 min.

Gently add the steamed Berkoukes pearls directly into the rich sauce. Lower the heat and let the pearls absorb the flavorful broth for about 5 to 10 minutes until they are perfectly tender. Keep an eye on it—the pearls absorb liquid quickly, so add extra hot water if it gets too thick! Turn off the heat and garnish with the remaining fresh coriander and mint.

Product Details & Nutritional Information

Dry Berkoukes is primarily made from high-quality durum wheat semolina and water. It is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy.

Average nutritional values: per 100g.

Energy	585 kJ / 140 kcal
Fats	6g
of which saturated fatty acids	2g
Carbohydrates	14g
Dietary fiber	0g
Proteins	8g
Salt	0.02g

Nutritional Insight: When fully prepared as a stew with lean meat, chickpeas, and vegetables, a standard serving of Berkoukes becomes a highly balanced, macro-dense meal rich in dietary fiber, iron, vitamins A and C, and high-quality proteins.