Shortcut Moroccan Vegetable Tagine With Couscous Recipes

MOROCCAN VEGETABLES WITH COUSCOUS

Steps:

• In a large heavy pot heat oil over medium high heat. Stir in the onion and cook for 3 minutes or until tender. Stir in spices and cook until aroma is released. Stir in carrots, potatoes and squash and toss to coat. Cook vegetables for 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and water. If necessary add enough water so that all the vegetables are submerged. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes. Stir in zucchini and continue to cook for 20 more minutes. Stir in the chickpeas and season with salt and pepper, Tabasco and cilantro. Serve hot with couscous and warm pita bread.

CHICKEN AND SUMMER VEGETABLE STEW WITH COUSCOUS

Steps:

• For the chicken stew: Put the garlic, carrots, onion, cinnamon, raisins, ginger, cumin, paprika, sugar, turmeric, 1 tablespoon salt and several grinds of black pepper in a large saucepan or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid. Add 2 cups water and bring to a boil over high heat; cover, reduce the heat and simmer until the carrots start to get tender, about 15 minutes. Add the chicken, chickpeas, tomatoes and zucchini and stir to combine. Return to a boil over high heat, cover, reduce the heat and simmer until the stew is slightly thickened and fragrant and the vegetables are tender enough to cut with the side of a fork, but still hold their shapes, about 15 minutes. (If the vegetables are fork-tender a bit sooner, remove them to a bowl while the liquid reduces then return them to the pot when ready to serve.) Remove and discard the cinnamon sticks.
• For the couscous: Bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil with the butter and salt in a small saucepan. Stir in the couscous, remove from the heat, cover and set aside until the water has been absorbed and the couscous is plump, about 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
• For the topping: Combine the cilantro, parsley, almonds, pistachios and raisins in a medium bowl.
• To serve, divide the couscous among bowls, top with the stew and sprinkle with the herb topping. Serve with harissa and yogurt on the side.

MOROCCAN TAGINE WITH COUSCOUS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to moderate 350°F.
• Heat the oil in a large saucepan or ovenproof dish, add the onion and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until soft.
• Add the spices and cook for 3 minutes.
• Add the vegetables and cook, stirring, until coated with the spices and the outside begins to soften.
• Add the lemon, tomatoes, stock, pears and prunes.
• Cover, transfer to the oven and cook for 30 minutes.
• Add the zucchini and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
• Cover the couscous with the olive oil and 2 cups (500mL) boiling water and leave until all the water has been absorbed.
• Flake with a fork.
• Remove the cinnamon stick from the vegetables, then stir in the parsley.
• Serve on a large platter with the couscous formed into a ring and the vegetable tagine in the centre, sprinkled with almonds.