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Moroccan Couscous with
Vegetable Stew

Serves 6-8
In Northeast Africa, the term couscous refers to both the pasta and the stew served with it—the stew being a side dish to the main event, the couscous.

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes


Ingredients:

6 cups vegetable stock or water 6 medium carrots, cut into chunks
3 medium onions, quartered 2 medium turnips, peeled and quartered
1 medium leek, cleaned and sliced (optional) 2 (3-inch) sticks cinnamon or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon tumeric or saffron threads 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice or ground ginger (optional)
2-3 cups cooked chickpeas, rinsed and drained 1/2 head cabbage, shredded
1 medium butternut squash or 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces (about 3 1/2 cups) About 1 teaspoon table salt or 2 teaspoons kosher salt
dash of pepper

For the couscous:

1 pound (2 cups) instant couscous 1 cup toasted blached almonds (optional)

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To make the stew:

  1. In a large pot, bring the stock to a boil. Add carrots, onions, turnips, and leek (if using). Stir in spices, return to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes. Add chickpeas, cabbage, and squash and cook until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes, covered. For a thicker consistency, mash some of the squash. You can prepare the stew the day before and reheat it before serving.

To make the couscous:

  1. Bring 4 cups water and 3/4 teaspoon salt to a boil. Remove from heat, stir in couscous, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  2. Just before serving, heap couscous on a large serving platter, make a well in the center, and fill with vegetables. Arrange any remaining vegetables around the sides. Drizzle some cooking liquid over couscous to moisten and pass the rest. If you like, sprinkle with almonds. Couscous is frequently accompanied by harissa (chile paste).

Variation Sweeter stew: Add 2–3 tablespoons honey or sugar and/or 1/2 cup black raisins. If you like, add 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4teaspoon ground cloves.