Couscous is an iconic dish from Morocco, cherished worldwide, and it’s even more delightful when made using a traditional couscous pot known as a Seksou. These pots are not just beautiful kitchen pieces, they also enhance the flavors of your meals. In this article, we present five delicious couscous recipes that you can try today with your own traditional copper couscous pot.
- Classic Moroccan Lamb Couscous
One of the most loved couscous dishes, this recipe highlights tender lamb slow-cooked with vegetables, chickpeas, and a perfect blend of Moroccan spices. The slow steaming process in a traditional couscous pot ensures the flavors are perfectly combined.
For an authentic Moroccan experience, try this recipe with a handcrafted copper couscous pot.
Ingredients:
- 500g lamb shoulder, cut into pieces
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 zucchinis, chopped
- 2 white turnips and 2 yellow turnips, peeled and chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 200g chickpeas
- 1/4 white cabbage, chopped
- 200g pumpkin
- 1 bunch of coriander
- 400g couscous
- 1 tablespoon of clarified butter “Smen”
- Spices: turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, ras el hanout (optional)
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Method:
- Brown the lamb with onion and spices in the lower section of the couscous pot.
- Add the chickpeas and 1.5 liters of water. Simmer for 45 minutes.
- Add the vegetables and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Steam the couscous in the upper part of the couscous pot.
- Add "Smen" butter and serve with the vegetables and lamb.
- Vegetarian Couscous with Caramelized Onions and Raisins
This light yet flavorful dish is a must-try. The sweetness of caramelized onions and raisins pairs perfectly with the steamed couscous.
Ingredients:
- 500g lamb shoulder, cut into pieces
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 zucchinis, chopped
- 2 white turnips, peeled and chopped
- 2 yellow turnips, peeled and chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 200g chickpeas (soaked overnight)
- 1/4 white cabbage, chopped
- 200g pumpkin, chopped
- 1 bunch of fresh coriander
- 400g couscous
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ras el hanout (optional)
- 1 tablespoon clarified butter "Smen"
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
Method:
- Heat olive oil in the lower section of your couscous pot, sauté the onion and lamb for about 5 minutes.
- Add the spices (turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, ras el hanout), salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add the chickpeas and 1.5 liters of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes.
- Add the carrots, turnips, cabbage, pumpkin, and coriander. Let simmer for another 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Lightly moisten the couscous with water. Place it in the upper part of the couscous pot and steam for 20 minutes.
- Stir "Smen" butter into the sauce.
- Serve the couscous in a large dish, topped with the vegetables and lamb. Drizzle with sauce and garnish with fresh coriander.
- Couscous Tfaya with Chicken
Couscous Tfaya is renowned for its sweet and savory flavors. Featuring tender chicken, caramelized onions, raisins, and cinnamon, this dish is perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 100g raisins
- 50g sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- 400g couscous
Method:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan and brown the chicken with salt, pepper, turmeric, and ginger for 10 minutes.
- Add the chopped onions and cook over low heat for 20 minutes.
- Add the raisins, sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of water, then simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Steam the couscous for 15 minutes in the couscous pot.
- Serve the couscous with chicken in the center and the sweet onion sauce on top. Garnish with toasted almonds.
- Herbed Couscous with Grilled Vegetables
For a lighter and more colorful variation, this couscous is paired with grilled vegetables and fresh herbs like parsley and mint.
Ingredients:
- 400g couscous
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 eggplant, sliced
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 bunch of fresh mint, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Method:
- Heat a grill and brush the vegetables with olive oil. Grill until tender and slightly charred.
- Steam the couscous for 15 minutes in the couscous pot.
- Mix the couscous with fresh herbs, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the grilled vegetables and serve warm.
- Sweet Couscous with Almonds and Dried Fruits
For those with a sweet tooth, this couscous is a delightful treat. Featuring toasted almonds, apricots, and dates, it's a perfect dessert or post-dinner treat.
Ingredients:
- 400g couscous
- 100g toasted sliced almonds
- 100g raisins
- 100g dried apricots, chopped
- 100g pitted dates, chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Orange blossom water (optional)
Method:
- Steam the couscous in the couscous pot for 15 minutes.
- Mix the raisins, apricots, and dates with the cooked couscous.
- Add honey, cinnamon, and a dash of orange blossom water for extra flavor.
- Garnish with toasted almonds and serve warm or at room temperature.
These recipes allow you to explore the rich flavors of Moroccan cuisine, using a copper couscous pot for an authentic taste. Explore the collection of copper couscous pots at Nhass Fes to perfect your dishes.
