We have discovered so many interesting cultural aspects and stunning sites in Morocco and have shared our Moroccan experience in this blog…
Morocco conjures images of the Sahara, majestic mountains, serene Medinas, beautiful architecture and mosaics, spices and of course Tagine and Couscous…
This easy and delicious Lamb couscous recipe brings me right back to balmy evenings in Marrakech.
Couscous is a staple in N. Africa and it’s mainly made from crushed durum wheat semolina. In Morocco, couscous is generally served with vegetables and tomatoes, and cooked in a mildly spicy stew with some meat like chicken or lamb.
The first time I tasted Couscous was in France where it is really popular and ranks among the top 3 favorite dishes! It’s believed that couscous was introduced in Europe since the 13th century by the Maghrebi immigrants. In France, Spain and Italy, “Couscous” usually refers to couscous served with the stew as a dish. In France, it is generally served with harissa sauce, Tunisian style.
Nowadays, instant couscous is widely available, and it’s so simple to prepare by just adding some water or broth, and a little oil or butter, and heat for a few minutes in a covered pot, and fluffed with a fork. Traditionalists say that instant couscous do not taste the same as the couscous prepared from scratch the Berber home-cooking way. Maybe so, but I find this recipe really delicious, even with instant couscous.
Furthermore, I usually make couscous dish with Instant Pot, so it’s really so simple and easy, yet incredibly tasty and satisfying. Instead of lamb, you can also use chicken, or just a variety of vegetables, without meat. I like to use bell peppers, zucchinis and they cook quickly and go very well with this dish. You could also use carrots and potatoes, but the cooking time would need to be adjusted.
I prefer hearty couscous with lots of tasty broth, but you can add or reduce the amount of liquid as you wish.
Moroccan Lamb Couscous
Equipment
- Instant pot
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Lamb shoulder cut into cubes
- 2 tspn ground cumin
- 2 tspn coriander seeds
- 1-1/2 tspn ground ginger
- 1 tspn ground cinnamon
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tspn each salt and pepper
- 2 pinch saffron
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can crushed plum tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can chickpeas (14 oz)
- 3 bell peppers (1 each red, yellow, orange), sliced
- 1 zucchinis, sliced
- 1 large or 2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed
To Serve / Garnish
- 1 lb Couscous – Prepare according to package instructions
- A bunch Fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup pistachios
Instructions
- Marinate the lamb with the cumin, coriander seed, cinnamon, ginger powder, salt and pepper and 1 tablespoon olive oil for an hour.
- Meanwhile, wash and chop the vegetables
- Set Instant Pot on Saute mode. When hot, add 2 tablespoons olive oil, stir fry the bellpeppers and zucchini for 3 to 4 minutes and remove the vegetable to a bowl but leave the oil.
- Add 1 tablespoon olive oil in instant pot, fry the onions and garlic till fragrant, around 3 minutes. Add the marinated lamb pieces and brown on all sides. Add the cubed sweet potatoes on top.
- Add the can of tomatoes, and the broth. Stir well so no lamb pieces are stuck at the bottom
- Cancel the saute function. Close and lock the lid, set the Pressure Cook on high for 35 minutes. Natural steam release.
- Meanwhile, prepare the couscous according to the package instructions and the garnish.
- Carefully remove the lid, taste the broth and adjust seasoning. Set Instant Pot on Saute function, add the saffron, chickpeas, sauteed bell peppers and zucchini. Heat till boiling for 5 minutes.
- Serve the lamb with the broth with the couscous, garnish with mint, coriander and chopped apricots and pistachoes on the side. If you like spicy, serve with harissa or chili paste
We hope you love the products we recommend. Just so you know we may collect a compensation from the affiliate links on this page if you decide to shop from them, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support.
TOPGOLF Game
Have read the Moroccan Lamb Couscous recipe. It sounds simple and easy to make it ! Thanks Caroline !