Best 5 Moroccan Couscous With Saffron Recipes

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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.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

MOROCCAN COUSCOUS WITH SAFFRON



Moroccan Couscous with Saffron image

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

2 cups peeled butternut squash, cut into 1/4
2 cups yellow onion, large dice
1 1/2 cups carrots cut in 1/4
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 pinch fine sea salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons Earth Balance butter
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon Saffron threads
1 1/2 cups whole wheat couscous
2 scallions, white and green parts, chopped

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



Saffron Couscous image

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

2 tablespoons warm water
5 saffron threads, or more to taste
1 cup couscous
1 cup vegetable broth
1 celery stalk, diced
¼ cup dried currants
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon harissa, or to taste
½ teaspoon ground cumin
sea salt to taste

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



Moroccan Couscous with Meat and Vegetables image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h45m

Yield Yield: 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

2 quarts water (or beef broth) plus 2 cups to use during couscous procedure
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 large tomato, diced
4 pounds lamb shoulder or lamb shank, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 small bouquet parsley, approximately 1/2 cup
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon saffron
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Salt, to taste
1 tablespoon black pepper
24 ounces couscous
1 pound green and yellow zucchini cut in half lengthwise
1 pound baby carrots
1 pound potatoes, any kind, peeled and cut into quarters
1/2 head cabbage, diced
1 pound peas, fresh or frozen
2 rutabagas, peeled and diced
2 large turnips, peeled and cut into quarters
1/2 cup butter, softened
* Bay leaves and fresh thyme may also be added to the recipe
* 2 to 3 whole jalapenos can also be added to the vegetables, then served separately

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



MOROCCAN COUSCOUS WITH SAFFRON image

Categories     Vegan

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups peeled butternut squash, cut into 1/4 to 1/2-inch cubes
2 cups yellow onion, large dice
1 1/2 cups carrots, cut into 1/4 to 1/2-inch cubes
1 1/2 cups zucchini, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Fine sea salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons Earth Balance butter
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
1 1/2 cups whole wheat couscous
2 scallions, white and green parts, chopped

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



Moroccan Couscous image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon white peppercorns
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon whole allspice
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
2 cardamom pods
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Kosher salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Large pinch of saffron (optional)
2 1/4 cups (12 ounces) whole-wheat couscous
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, warmed
1 to 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

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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