Moroccan Couscous with Lamb & Raisins

🧡 Story

This Moroccan Lamb & Raisin Couscous is an old standby celebratory dish, with the tender lamb seasoned by spices blending into the sweetness of raisins and the aroma of aromatic spices, all atop light couscous. Suitable for family gatherings or holiday functions, it so successfully balances sweet and savory.

• Ingredients :
• 🐑 For the Lamb Stew:
• 500g lamb, cut into cubes
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 cup water or broth
• ½ cup raisins
• 2 tbsp honey (optional)
• 2 tbsp toasted almonds for garnish
• Fresh cilantro or parsley
• 🌾 For the Couscous:
• 2 cups couscous
• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 2 cups boiling water or broth
• Pinch of salt

• 👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
• Heat olive oil in a pot or tagine over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
• Add lamb cubes and brown on all sides.
• Stir in cinnamon, ginger, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Add water or broth, cover, and simmer for 45–50 minutes until lamb is tender.
• In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add raisins and honey if desired.
• Prepare couscous: place in a bowl, pour over boiling water or broth, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in butter or olive oil.
• Serve lamb and raisins over couscous, garnish with toasted almonds and chopped parsley or cilantro.

🍋Tips / Notes

💡 For extra Moroccan authenticity, add a few preserved lemon slices or a pinch of saffron. Couscous can also be steamed twice for a fluffier texture.