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Couscous Traditionnel

Couscous Traditionnel
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Couscous Traditionnel is a classic North African dish featuring steamed semolina grains paired with tender vegetables, aromatic spices, and savory meat or chickpeas. This recipe offers an authentic, flavorful, and comforting meal perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Easily adaptable for vegetarians or gluten-free diets, it delivers a harmonious balance of textures and tastes with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Couscous Grains

  • 2 cups couscous grains (or millet/quinoa for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

Vegetables

  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 cup pumpkin, chopped
  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas

Meat Options

  • 1 to 1.5 lbs lamb, chicken, or beef (optional)

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

Stock or Broth

  • 4 to 6 cups water or vegetable/meat broth
  • 1 onion, sliced

Fresh Herbs

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Broth and Vegetables: In a large pot, simmer your chosen meat with water, sliced onions, cumin, and coriander to create a rich broth. Once the meat starts to tenderize, add the chopped carrots, zucchini, pumpkin, and chickpeas. Cook until vegetables are soft but still hold their shape, infusing the broth with authentic flavor.
  2. Steam the Couscous: Place couscous grains in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt and olive oil or melted butter. Pour a small amount of the hot broth over the couscous, then gently fluff the grains with your fingers to separate clumps. Transfer the couscous into a steamer basket positioned over the simmering broth and steam for about 15 minutes to lock in moisture and achieve a light texture.
  3. Repeat Steaming and Fluffing: Remove the couscous from the steamer, return it to the bowl, sprinkle with additional broth, and fluff gently again. Steam for a second 15-minute period to ensure the grains are perfectly tender and fluffy without becoming mushy.
  4. Combine and Serve: Spread the steamed couscous on a large serving platter and arrange the cooked vegetables and meat on top. Spoon some of the seasoned broth over the dish to keep it moist and flavorful. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

  • Use a traditional couscoussier or metal steamer basket for best results.
  • Fluff couscous between steamings to prevent clumps and keep grains separate.
  • Add broth gradually to control moisture and avoid soggy couscous.
  • Cut vegetables evenly for uniform cooking.
  • Let couscous rest covered for a few minutes after steaming to fully absorb flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Couscous, North African, traditional, lamb, chicken, vegetarian, gluten-free, steaming, spices, comfort food

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/couscous-traditionnel/