Couscous

Preparation Time: 15 mins | Cooking Time: 20 mins | Serving: 4 People | Calories: 550 kcal | Type: Main Meal

couscous

Couscous is a traditional Moroccan dish that showcases the rich culinary heritage of North Africa. This dish is a harmonious blend of tender meat, such as chicken or lamb, and a medley of vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, and chickpeas. The dish is infused with aromatic spices like cumin, cinnamon, coriander, and saffron, creating a complex and flavorful stew. The couscous, steamed to perfection, serves as a delicate base, absorbing the rich flavors of the stew. Couscous is a hearty, comforting, and flavorful meal, served with a garnish of fresh coriander.

Ingredients

  • Couscous (medium or fine grain): 1 ½ cups (250 g)
  • Chicken or Lamb (cut into pieces): 500g (approx. 1 lb)
  • Onion (finely chopped): 1 large
  • Carrots (peeled and cut into sticks): 2 large
  • Zucchini (cut into sticks): 2 medium
  • Chickpeas (cooked or canned): 1 cup
  • Raisins: 1/4 cup (optional)
  • Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons
  • Tomatoes (chopped): 2 medium
  • Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic Cloves (minced): 2 cloves
  • Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon
  • Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
  • Ground Coriander: 1 teaspoon
  • Ground Turmeric: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Ground Ginger: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Saffron Threads: 1 pinch (optional, soaked in warm water)
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
  • Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Fresh Coriander (chopped): 1/4 cup (for garnish)
  • Harissa: To taste (optional, for serving)

 

Difficulty Level: Medium

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meat and vegetables.
    In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened. Add the chicken or lamb pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
  2. Add spices and tomatoes.
    Stir in the ground cumin, cinnamon, coriander, turmeric, ginger, and saffron (if using). Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking until the tomatoes are soft and the mixture is fragrant.
  3. Add vegetables and simmer.
    Add the carrots, zucchini, chickpeas, and raisins (if using) to the pot. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked.
  4. Prepare the Couscous:
    While the stew is simmering, place the couscous in a large heatproof bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt, stirring to coat the grains. Pour 1 ½ cups of boiling water over the couscous, cover the bowl with a plate, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in the butter.
  5. Serve:
    To serve, mound the couscous on a large serving platter and spoon the meat and vegetables over the top. Garnish with fresh coriander, and serve with harissa on the side for added spice.