MoroccanLunch

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

This classic dish represents the heart of North African home cooking, where lamb shoulder is braised until fall-apart tender alongside carrots, turnips, zucchini, chickpeas, and tomatoes. The aromatic broth infused with ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and saffron creates layers of complex flavors that marry beautifully with the light, fluffy couscous. Traditionally served on special occasions and family gatherings, this one-pot meal showcases the generous hospitality and communal dining culture of the region. The number seven is symbolic in North African cuisine, representing luck and abundance. Each vegetable brings its own texture and sweetness to the dish, creating a harmonious balance that makes this recipe beloved across generations.

Instructions

step by step

0/7 done

Season 800g lamb shoulder pieces generously with salt and pepper. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb on all sides, about 8 minutes total. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic, ginger, ground cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, paprika, and cayenne. Cook stirring constantly for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Return lamb to the pot. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chickpeas, and enough water to cover the meat (about 4 cups). Add bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.
Add carrots cut into large chunks, turnip or sweet potato chunks, and bell pepper strips. Continue simmering covered for 25 minutes.
Add zucchini chunks and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Cook uncovered for final 10 minutes until all vegetables are tender and broth has thickened slightly.
While stew finishes, prepare couscous according to package directions, fluffing with butter and salt.
To serve, mound couscous on a large platter, create a well in the center, and ladle the lamb and vegetables into the center. Drizzle some of the flavorful broth over the couscous. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with additional harissa on the side.

Lamb and Seven Vegetable Couscous

4.4 (26)

A hearty North African feast featuring tender lamb, fluffy couscous, and a vibrant medley of vegetables slow-cooked with aromatic spices in a traditional fragrant broth.

medium

6 servings

Ingredients

0 of 23 checked

Protein

800 grams lamb, cut into 2-inch pieces

Base

2 1/2 cups couscous, dry
2 tablespoons tomato-paste

Vegetables

1 1/2 cups chickpeas, cooked or canned, drained
3 pieces carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
2 pieces sweet-potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2 pieces zucchini, cut into thick rounds
2 pieces bell-peppers, seeded and cut into strips
3 pieces tomatoes, diced

Aromatics

2 pieces onions, chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced

Spices

2 teaspoons ginger, fresh, minced
2 teaspoons cumin, ground
1 teaspoons turmeric, ground
1 teaspoons cinnamon, ground
1 teaspoons paprika, sweet or smoked
1/2 teaspoons cayenne, ground
2 pieces bay-leaves

Cooking

3 tablespoons olive-oil

Finishing

2 tablespoons butter, for couscous

Garnish

4 tablespoons cilantro, fresh, chopped

Seasoning

2 teaspoons salt, to taste
1 teaspoons black-pepper, freshly ground

Chef Tips

expert advice

•For the most authentic flavor, look for ras el hanout spice blend at Middle Eastern markets and substitute it for the individual spices.

•You can prepare this dish a day ahead - the flavors deepen overnight.

•If lamb is unavailable, beef chuck roast makes an excellent substitute.

•Vegetarians can omit the meat entirely and add more chickpeas, eggplant, and cauliflower for a hearty vegetable version.

•The traditional way to serve this is family-style on one large platter with everyone eating from the communal dish.

•For a spicier version, increase the cayenne or serve with extra harissa paste.

•The secret to fluffy couscous is using the proper water-to-couscous ratio and letting it steam undisturbed.

•Some cooks add a handful of raisins in the last 10 minutes for a subtle sweetness that balances the savory spices beautifully.

Moroccan

⭐ Highly Rated

25 minmedium