Couscous with Vegetables, Meat, and Chickpeas π²π¦π₯π₯π§ ππ₯£
Alright, this dish is Couscous with Vegetables, Meat, and Chickpeas, a traditional and beloved dish in Morocco and many North African countries. Here's the name, ingredients, and preparation method with an emoji for each element:
Recipe Name: Couscous with Vegetables, Meat, and Chickpeas π²π¦π₯π₯π§ ππ₯£
Ingredients:
- For the Couscous:
- Coarse or medium semolina couscous π
- Vegetable oil π»
- Water π§
- Salt π§
- For the Broth (Marqa):
- Pieces of meat (lamb, beef, or chicken) π
- Chopped onion π§
- Diced tomatoes π
- Sliced carrots π₯
- Diced potatoes π₯
- Sliced zucchini π₯
- Diced pumpkin (optional) π
- Soaked and cooked chickpeas π₯£
- Olive oil π«
- Spices (turmeric ✨, ginger ✨, black pepper ⚫, cinnamon ✨, saffron or yellow food coloring ✨)
- Chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish πΏ
- Water or broth π§
- For Tfaya (optional, sometimes served with couscous):
- Sliced onions π§
- Raisins π
- Sugar π¬
- Cinnamon ✨
- Orange blossom water (optional) πΈ
- Oil or butter π§
Preparation Method:
- Prepare the Couscous: In a large bowl, place the semolina couscous π and drizzle with vegetable oil π». Toss with your fingertips until the semolina is coated. Gradually add salt π§ and water π§, stirring until the semolina absorbs the water. Set aside for a few minutes.
- Place the couscous in a couscoussier (a special steamer for couscous) over a pot of boiling water. Cover the couscoussier and steam the couscous for 15-20 minutes. Remove the couscous and place it back in the bowl. Sprinkle with a little more water, fluff it with a fork, and break up any lumps. Let it sit again to absorb the water. Repeat the steaming process two or three times until the couscous is tender and fluffy.
- Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, heat olive oil π« and add the meat pieces π. Brown them on all sides. Add the chopped onion π§ and sautΓ© until softened. Add the diced tomatoes π and spices (turmeric ✨, ginger ✨, black pepper ⚫, cinnamon ✨, saffron ✨) and stir well.
- Add the sliced carrots π₯, diced potatoes π₯, and pumpkin (if using) π. Stir. Add water or broth π§ to cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of meat.
- Add the sliced zucchini π₯ and cooked chickpeas π₯£ in the last stages of cooking so the zucchini doesn't become too soft. Let the broth simmer until the sauce thickens slightly and all the vegetables are tender.
- Prepare Tfaya (optional): In a small saucepan, combine the sliced onions π§ , raisins π, sugar π¬, cinnamon ✨, and a little oil or butter π§. Add a little water and cook over low heat until the onions are caramelized and the raisins are plump. You can add orange blossom water πΈ at the end for a distinctive flavor.
- Serve: Place the steamed couscous in a large serving dish. Make a well in the center and arrange the meat pieces π, vegetables π₯π₯π₯π, and chickpeas π₯£ in the middle. Ladle some of the broth over the couscous and vegetables. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro πΏ. Serve the Tfaya (if prepared) in a separate bowl for those who want to add it.
Enjoy your meal! π
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