Embark on a culinary journey to Morocco with this delectable dish of Moroccan couscous with saffron. This traditional North African dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring fluffy couscous grains infused with the vibrant aroma of saffron and complemented by an array of savory vegetables and tender meat. Succulent pieces of chicken or lamb are braised in a rich tomato-based sauce, while sweet carrots, crisp celery, and hearty chickpeas add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor. A sprinkle of aromatic spices, including cumin, paprika, and ginger, enhances the dish with a warm and inviting fragrance. Served over a bed of fluffy couscous, this Moroccan feast is a true celebration of culinary heritage.
Additionally, the article provides a vegetarian variation of the dish, catering to those with dietary preferences or who simply enjoy the vibrant flavors of vegetables. This version features a medley of roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, tossed in a flavorful marinade of olive oil, herbs, and spices. The result is a colorful and satisfying dish that showcases the best of Moroccan cuisine.
For those seeking a quick and easy weeknight meal, the article also includes a simplified version of Moroccan couscous. This streamlined recipe uses pre-cooked chicken or lamb and frozen vegetables, making it a convenient option for busy individuals or families. The dish retains its authentic Moroccan flavors thanks to a flavorful blend of spices and a rich tomato sauce.
Whether you're a seasoned cook looking to explore new culinary horizons or a beginner seeking a taste of Moroccan cuisine, this article offers a comprehensive guide to preparing this delectable dish. With its detailed instructions and helpful tips, you'll be able to recreate the vibrant flavors and aromas of Morocco in your own kitchen.
MOROCCAN COUSCOUS WITH SAFFRON
This dish is tasty and looks gorgeous on a big serving plate as the centerpiece of a meal.
Provided by Recipe by Our Cookbook Collection
Categories African
Yield Yield: 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the squash, onion, carrots, and zucchini on a baking sheet and toss with the olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once with a spatula about midway through.
- While the vegetables roast, bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan. Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the butter, remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper, cumin, saffron, and salt to taste. Cover the pan and steep for 15 minutes.
- Scrape the roasted vegetables and their juices into a large bowl, and add the couscous. Bring the vegetable broth back to a boil, and pour over the couscous mixture all at once. Cover tightly with a plate and allow to stand for 15 minutes. Add the scallions, toss the couscous and vegetables with a fork, and serve.
SAFFRON COUSCOUS
A light side dish or a great lunch box salad. The addition of saffron makes it just interesting enough!
Provided by toastyfrenchy
Categories Side Dish
Time 50m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Combine warm water and saffron together in a bowl.
- Mix couscous and vegetable broth together in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Remove saucepan from heat, cover saucepan, and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff couscous with a fork and transfer to a bowl.
- Stir saffron mixture, celery, currants, olive oil, lemon juice, harissa, cumin, and sea salt into couscous. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 264.1 calories, Carbohydrate 42.7 g, Fat 7.3 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 6.3 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 236.3 mg, Sugar 7.2 g
MOROCCAN COUSCOUS WITH MEAT AND VEGETABLES
Provided by Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 1h45m
Yield Yield: 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Put broth in the couscousiere pot, add the onions, tomatoes, meat, parsley, olive oil, saffron, ginger and salt and pepper. Boil on medium high heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Put the keskes on top of the pot and add couscous slowly. Let the couscous steam for 1/2 hour.
- After steam starts coming up, take the couscous out of keskes and transfer into a large bowl (gsaa). Break up any clumping grains of couscous with wooden spoon, and cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup cold water on the couscous while it is in the bowl, to make the grains larger and soft. Return to heat and steam for another 30 minutes. Remove the couscous from the pot and transfer to the large bowl. Again, break up any clumps and sprinkle with 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of water. Remove the meat from the couscousiere, cover and set aside. Add vegetables to the couscousiere and return the couscous to the keske and place in the couscousiere. Cook the vegetables and the couscous for 30 to 45 minutes on medium high heat. After the vegetables and couscous are all fully cooked, remove the couscousiere from heat. Return the couscous to a large bowl and add butter. Place the couscous on a platter, forming a hole in the middle of the couscous. Place meat in the hole and top with vegetables. Put sauce around sides of the platter. Serve guests additional sauce in small bowls.
MOROCCAN COUSCOUS WITH SAFFRON
Categories Vegan
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. 2. Place the squash, onion, carrots, and zucchini on a baking sheet and toss with the olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. 3. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once with a spatula about midway through. 4. While the vegetables roast, bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan. 5. Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the butter, remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper, cumin, saffron, and salt to taste. 6. Cover the pan and steep for 15 minutes. 7. Scrape the roasted vegetables and their juices into a large bowl, and add the couscous. 8. Bring the vegetable broth back to a boil, and pour over the couscous mixture all at once. 9. Cover tightly with a plate and allow to stand for 15 minutes. 10. Add the scallions, toss the couscous and vegetables with a fork, and serve. Serves 6
MOROCCAN COUSCOUS
Steps:
- Make the spice blend: Toast the cinnamon stick, both peppercorns, cumin, coriander, allspice, cloves and cardamom in a small dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, 2 minutes; let cool. Grind in a spice grinder or mini food processor with the ginger, turmeric, cayenne, nutmeg and 1 teaspoon salt. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks; use leftover spice blend as a rub for meat or fish.
- Make the couscous: Heat the butter, 1 1/2 teaspoons spice blend and the saffron, if desired, in a large skillet over medium-high heat until lightly toasted, about 1 minute. Add the couscous and stir until toasted, about 1 minute. Stir in the warm broth, remove from the heat, cover and set aside until the couscous is plump, about 7 minutes. Add the lemon juice and fluff with a fork. Transfer to a bowl and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon spice blend.
Tips:
- Use a high-quality couscous: The type of couscous you use will make a big difference in the final dish. Look for a high-quality couscous that is made with durum wheat and has a slightly nutty flavor.
- Toast the couscous before cooking: Toasting the couscous before cooking will help to bring out its flavor and give it a slightly chewy texture. To toast the couscous, simply heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add the couscous. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3-4 minutes, or until the couscous is lightly browned.
- Use a flavorful broth: The broth you use to cook the couscous will also add flavor to the dish. Use a flavorful broth, such as chicken broth, vegetable broth, or beef broth. You can also use a combination of broths for a more complex flavor.
- Add vegetables and spices: Vegetables and spices are a great way to add flavor and nutrition to couscous. Some popular vegetables to add to couscous include carrots, celery, onions, and zucchini. Common spices used in Moroccan couscous include cumin, coriander, paprika, and saffron.
- Let the couscous rest before serving: After cooking the couscous, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the couscous to absorb all of the flavors from the broth and vegetables.
Conclusion:
Moroccan couscous is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It is a great way to enjoy the flavors of Morocco and is a perfect dish for a special occasion. Whether you are new to Moroccan cuisine or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to please everyone at your table.
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