Tunisian Couscous Recipe - The Traditional method - How to make a couscous

lamb

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: beef

Chicken is leaner, while beef is often more affordable.

harissa

🥗Healthier: spicy tomato paste

💰Cheaper: sriracha

Spicy tomato paste offers a similar flavor profile.

couscous

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: rice

Quinoa is a protein-rich alternative, while rice is more economical.

chickpeas

🥗Healthier: edamame

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Edamame offers protein, while canned beans are budget-friendly.

Heat 200 milliliters of olive oil in a copper couscous steamer.

Fry 3 long hot peppers in the oil until soft, then set aside.

Add 2 medium chopped red onions to the oil and fry for a couple of minutes.

Add 4 pieces of lamb to the onions and oil, frying until the meat changes color.

Stir in 1 tablespoon of paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.

Add 4 tablespoons of tomato paste and fry for a few more minutes.

Add 1 cup of soaked chickpeas and stir.

Pour in boiling water to cover the meat and vegetables.

In a large bowl, combine 2 pounds of fine grain couscous with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and mix well.

Add 1 cup of water gradually and mix until absorbed, then let sit for 5 minutes.

Transfer the couscous to the steamer, adding cloves for flavor.

Place the steamer over the pot with boiling sauce and add a whole onion, ensuring enough water covers the meat and vegetables.

Steam for 30 minutes uncovered.

Check the sauce and add more boiling water if needed, then add 3 potatoes and stir.

After 30 minutes, transfer the couscous to a large bowl, remove cloves, and add 1 more cup of water, letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Place the couscous back in the steamer with more cloves and steam for another 30 minutes.

Add zucchini and buttercup squash to the couscous before the final steaming.

After 30 minutes, remove cloves from the couscous and coat with oil from the sauce, stirring to remove lumps.

Add all the sauce to the couscous, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: