The Authentic Moroccan Couscous with 7 Vegetables

by

The Authentic Moroccan Couscous with 7 Vegetables is a culinary delight that perfectly balances flavors and textures. With sweet carrots, squash, earthy turnips, and a saffron-infused broth with fresh herbs, every bite is a treat. The traditional steaming method ensures fluffy and tender couscous grains that soak up all the delicious flavors. This dish goes beyond just food; it represents hospitality, community, and heritage. Enjoy this nourishing and comforting meal with loved ones, and experience the cherished essence of Moroccan cuisine.

Ingredients

For the Couscous:

  • 500g couscous (medium grain)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • Water (for steaming)

For the Broth:

  • 500g lamb or beef (bone-in for more flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 4 ripe tomatoes, peeled and grated
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • Salt, to taste
  • A pinch of saffron threads
  • Fresh herbs (small bunch of parsley and cilantro, tied together)
  • 2 liters of water

7 Vegetables:

  • 2 carrots, peeled and cut in half lengthwise
  • 2 zucchinis, cut in half lengthwise
  • 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cut into wedges
  • 2 turnips, peeled and halved
  • 2 potatoes, peeled and halved
  • 1 small cabbage, cut into large wedges
  • 2 handfuls of chickpeas (soaked overnight)
Moroccan Couscous with 7 Vegetables

How to prepare the Moroccan couscous

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
  2. Add the meat, grated tomatoes, spices (ginger, black pepper, turmeric, salt, and saffron), and the fresh herb bundle. Stir everything together and allow the meat to brown for a few minutes.
  3. Add the chickpeas and 2 liters of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the meat is tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Once the meat is tender, add the carrots, turnips, and butternut squash to the pot. Allow them to cook for 15 minutes before adding the potatoes, cabbage, and zucchinis.
  2. Continue cooking until all the vegetables are tender but not falling apart (about 25-30 minutes).

Step 3: Prepare the Couscous

  1. While the broth is simmering, place the couscous in a large shallow dish. Add a tablespoon of salt and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix well using your hands to coat each grain.
  2. Gradually add about 250 ml of water, while gently rubbing the grains between your palms to absorb the water evenly.
  3. Transfer the couscous to a steamer (couscoussier) and steam it over the pot with the broth for about 15-20 minutes.
  4. Remove the couscous, transfer it back to the shallow dish, and fluff it using a fork or your hands. Add another 100 ml of water, mix, and steam again for another 15 minutes. Repeat this process one more time for a total of three steamings. The couscous should be light and fluffy by the end.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

  1. Once everything is ready, spread the steamed couscous on a large serving dish, creating a well in the center.
  2. Place the meat in the center, then arrange the vegetables around it. Pour a generous amount of the broth over the couscous to moisten it.
  3. Serve the remaining broth in a separate bowl, allowing guests to add more as desired.

The Essence of Authenticity

Authentic Moroccan couscous with 7 vegetables epitomizes culinary balance—the sweetness of carrots and squash, the earthy tones of turnips, and the richness of a saffron-infused broth with fresh herbs. The traditional method of steaming the couscous multiple times results in grains that are fluffy, tender, and perfectly absorbent.

This Moroccan classic is more than a meal; it stands as a symbol of hospitality, community, and heritage. Each family might introduce slight variations, yet the essence remains—nourishing, flavorful, and comforting. The selection of 7 vegetables is deliberate, chosen not only for their taste but also for their symbolic representation of prosperity and diversity.

Prepare this couscous with care, share it with loved ones, and you’ll grasp why it’s the most cherished version of this timeless Moroccan staple.

Leave a comment