Couscous(A North African Dish That Can Feed A Crowd, 4 To 6 Servings.)
A hearty North African dish featuring tender meat, aromatic spices, and vegetables served over fluffy couscous, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 1/2 to 3 lb chicken, lamb, beef or combination ⓘ
- 2 chopped cloves garlic ⓘ
- 4 carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 diced turnips (optional) ⓘ
- 3 to 4 chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp ground red peppers ⓘ
- 1 to 2 cups water ⓘ
- 2 to 3 beef bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp cumin ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp thyme ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg ⓘ
Instructions
- In vegetable oil, cook the meat until browned.
- Saute garlic with the meat.
- Add carrots, onions, turnips (if using), tomatoes, salt, tomato paste, ground red peppers, water, bouillon cubes, cumin, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot.
- Make a mixture of the remaining spices: nutmeg, dry mustard, garlic powder, pepper, cinnamon, ginger, and red pepper.
- Blend the spice mixture well and add 3/4 teaspoon of it to the sauce, adjusting to taste.
- Cook the vegetables and seasonings with the meat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until tender.
- Add zucchini, chickpeas, and cabbage to the pot.
- Cook until all vegetables are done.
- Prepare couscous grains according to package instructions.
- Serve the sauce over the couscous in individual bowls.
- Sprinkle warm raisins over each serving if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the meat in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. You can substitute lamb with beef or even use a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian option. Adding a pinch of saffron can elevate the dish's aroma. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be added towards the end to save on cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the couscous in individual bowls and ladle the meat and vegetable sauce over it. This dish pairs beautifully with warm raisins sprinkled on top for added sweetness. Consider serving alongside a fresh green salad or crusty bread to balance the flavors. For a hearty meal, you could also serve with Chicken And Fennel for a delicious combination.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the couscous and heat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. For best results, cover with a damp paper towel while microwaving to keep the couscous from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Couscous(A North African Dish That Can Feed A Crowd, 4 To 6 Servings.) contains roughly 721 calories, with 15g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (172% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (66% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 638mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of water. Add more vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or even chickpeas for protein. This will still provide a hearty and flavorful couscous dish that everyone can enjoy.
What type of couscous should I use?
You can use either traditional couscous or Israeli (pearl) couscous for this recipe. Traditional couscous cooks quickly and has a light texture, while Israeli couscous has a chewier texture and takes a bit longer to prepare. Both options work well and will absorb the delicious sauce beautifully.
How can I enhance the flavor of the broth?
To enhance the flavor of the broth, consider adding herbs like fresh parsley or cilantro during cooking. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness or a splash of white wine for depth. If you enjoy spices, a bit of cinnamon or allspice can complement the flavors beautifully.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).