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Moroccan Seven Vegetable Couscous with Lamb

A comforting and vibrant dish featuring tender lamb, a variety of vegetables, and fluffy couscous simmered in a fragrant broth.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Moroccan
Calories: 900

Ingredients
  

Broth and Meat
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped (about 7 oz)
  • 1 lb 5 oz boneless lamb shoulder (or beef), trimmed and cut into chunks Use beef chuck as a substitute if desired.
  • 1 1/2 cups canned chickpeas, drained
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Generous pinch saffron
  • 1 bunch cilantro, tied into a bouquet
  • 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped into 3/4-inch pieces
  • 6 1/3 cups water Use homemade broth or low-sodium stock for richer flavor.
Vegetables
  • 1 small cabbage (about 1 lb 5 oz), quartered through the base
  • 1 large sweet potato (about 9 oz), peeled and cut into large chunks
  • 10 1/2 oz turnip, peeled and cut into 1 1/4-inch lengths
  • 3 carrots (about 10 1/2 oz), cut into 1 1/2-inch lengths
  • 7 oz zucchini, cut into 2-inch lengths
  • 10 1/2 oz butternut squash, cut into large chunks
Couscous
  • 4 cups dried couscous (about 23 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups boiling water or hot broth
Optional
  • Harissa For serving

Method
 

Brown the Meat and Build the Base
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large casserole dish or heavy pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, meat, turmeric, ginger, black pepper, saffron, salt, and tomatoes. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning the meat now and then, until it is lightly browned.
Add Water, Chickpeas, and Cilantro
  1. Pour in the water and add the drained chickpeas. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low. Add the cilantro bouquet, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 50 minutes.
Cook the Firmer Vegetables
  1. Remove and discard the cilantro bouquet. Then add the cabbage, turnip, and carrots to the broth. Cover the pot again and simmer for about 35 minutes.
Add the Sweet Potato
  1. Next, add the sweet potato and cook for about 20 minutes more.
Cook the Zucchini and Squash Separately
  1. In a separate pan over medium heat, place about 6 tablespoons of the broth with the zucchini and squash. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, turning them over halfway through.
Finish the Couscous and Assemble the Dish
  1. Taste the broth and adjust the salt if needed. Lift out the meat with tongs and cut it into smaller pieces, if necessary. Place the couscous in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 teaspoon salt. Pour the boiling water or hot broth over it, cover, and let it stand for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork, mound it on a large plate, then top with the meat and vegetables. Spoon a little broth over the top, and serve with harissa if you like a little heat.

Notes

Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months, ideally keeping the couscous separate. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.