Traditional Moroccan Couscous

Experience the vibrant flavors of North Africa with Traditional Moroccan Couscous, a colorful and aromatic dish that combines fluffy couscous with tender vegetables, hearty chickpeas, and a medley of warm spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and saffron. Sweet raisins add a delightful hint of sweetness to balance the savory notes, while fresh cilantro and parsley bring a burst of freshness. Cooked in a rich broth and served with tangy lemon wedges, this recipe offers an authentic taste of Morocco, perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Easy to prepare in under an hour, this wholesome, one-pot meal is as nutritious as it is satisfying, making it a go-to favorite for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 grams couscous
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 600 milliliters chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrot, sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 1 can (400 grams) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 75 grams raisins
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 2

Add the sliced carrots and zucchini, continuing to sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to become tender.

Step 3

Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and saffron threads. Mix thoroughly to coat the vegetables with the spices.

Step 4

Add the chickpeas and the broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften further.

Step 5

Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, bring an additional 200 milliliters of chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Remove from heat, stir in the couscous, raisins, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cover and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until the couscous absorbs the liquid.

Step 6

Fluff the couscous with a fork and transfer it to the pot with the vegetable mixture. Mix gently to combine and let it cook on low heat for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 7

Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro and parsley.

Step 8

Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your authentic Moroccan couscous!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1956.6 grams (1956.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1824

Total Fat 56.40g	72%
Saturated Fat 8.20g	41%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.20g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 6999mg	304%
Total Carbohydrate 285.20g	104%
Dietary Fiber 49.90g	178%
Total Sugars 89.80g
Protein 60.80g	122%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 479mg	37%
Iron 20mg	111%
Potassium 3589mg	76%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 26.8%

Protein: 12.9%

Carbs: 60.3%