Traditional Moroccan Couscous Recipe: How to Make It at Home

traditional Moroccan couscous recipe is one of the most iconic dishes in Moroccan cuisine, often served during family gatherings and special occasions. This flavorful dish combines tender meat, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices with fluffy couscous. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a traditional Moroccan couscous recipe that will bring the taste of Morocco straight to your kitchen.


Ingredients:

  • 500g couscous
  • 500g lamb (or chicken)
  • 4 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 3 zucchinis, halved
  • 2 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 3 tomatoes, diced
  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas
  • A small bunch of parsley and cilantro
  • 1 tsp saffron
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 liter water

Instructions of Traditional Moroccan Couscous Recipe:

Step 1: Prepare the Meat and Vegetables

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the lamb pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
  2. Add the chopped onions and diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
  3. Sprinkle the spices (saffron, cumin, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon), salt, and pepper over the meat and stir well to combine.
  4. Add carrots, potatoes, and zucchinis to the pot. Pour in 1 liter of water and bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 45 minutes or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Step 2: Prepare the Couscous

  1. In a separate large bowl, pour the couscous.
  2. Boil water and pour it gradually over the couscous, stirring it with a fork to ensure the grains absorb the water evenly.
  3. Cover the bowl and let the couscous steam for about 5 minutes.
  4. Fluff the couscous with a fork and drizzle a little olive oil over it to keep the grains separate and soft.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

  1. When the meat and vegetables are fully cooked, place the couscous on a large serving platter.
  2. Arrange the meat and vegetables on top of the couscous in an appealing way.
  3. Garnish with cooked chickpeas and fresh parsley or cilantro.

Step 4: Serve

  • Traditional Moroccan couscous is typically served with a side bowl of broth. Pour some extra broth over the couscous to keep it moist and flavorful.

Nutritional Value of Traditional Moroccan Couscous Recipe

  • Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fat: 12g

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