Algerian Couscous

Submitted by PinkCherryBlossom

"I learned how to make this in France from some Algerian friends. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!"

 

• Ready In: 1hr 35mins
• Ingredients: 15
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1⁄2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne
• 1⁄2 cup vegetable stock
• 1⁄2 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 5 tablespoons tomato puree
• 3 -4 whole cloves
• 3 medium zucchini
• 4 small yellow squash
• 3⁄4 large carrot
• 4 medium yellow potatoes, skins on
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans

directions

1. Saute onion in vegetable stock over med. low heat until translucent.
2. Add all spices and cook for a few more minutes, stirring as needed.
3. Add tomato paste, stir and simmer 2 minutes.
4. Cut the vegetables in large chunks and add all (not the beans) and a dash of cinnamon; add water to cover.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for an hour or so.
6. (This can cook slowly for 2-3 hours, if desired.).
7. Add the drained garbanzos about 5 minutes before you take the veggies off the heat.
8. Put couscous in a bowl.
9. Pour boiling water over couscous and wait about 5 minutes.
10. Fluff with fork. (Ratio of about 1 1/2:1 of water to couscous.).
11. For added flavor, add some of the liquid from the veggie stew to the couscous in place of some of the water.
12. Serve the stew over the couscous. Enjoy!

Reviews

[junkatie]

This was delicious! Although I couldn't find any turmeric. I stayed with a French-Algerian couple on an organic farm in France and this recipe really took me back!

 

[Kumquat the Cats fr]

So delicious and very low calorie with no added fat! I was skeptical at first because I think it's best to add vegetable stock instead of water to my soups and stews, but I think this would turn out well with all water too (I actually ended up adding 1/3 stock and 2/3 water, for a total of 6 cups liquid). Instead of serving this with couscous I served it on its own with a spoon (if you include couscous I think no. of servings should be upped to 6). Also I added a bit less zucchini (1 large) and squash (2 medium), but if you are fond of those vegetables you'll probably want to include the recommended amount. I think the dash of cinnamon (in the directions but not in the list of ingredients as of this writing) was key and should be included. Thanks very much for this awesome and extremely healthy recipe!

 

[Zakaria H.]

I am Algerian and this looks about right. I think that they did a good job on this.

 

[jvizcarra]

Easy to prepare ... Thankls.. !!!!

 

[ankhesenamen]

We liked this! I wasn't sure how it would turn out, since I didn't add in the zucchini or squash (not big fans of those). I ended up adding more liquid to make up for it. This worked well in my pressure cooker ... I used 1/2 cup dried garbanzo beans (soaked and cooked) and added them in at the same time as the vegetables. I cooked it at high pressure for 15 minutes and it was perfect.