Couscous Bel Bouz
A hearty and flavorful couscous dish from the Kabyle region of Algeria, traditionally made with lamb or beef, chickpeas, and a rich vegetable broth. 'Bel bouz' refers to the rich, thick sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb or Beef(shoulder or leg, cut into 2-inch chunks)
- 500 g Couscous(medium grain. Ensure it's suitable for steaming or absorbing liquid.)
- 2 large Onions(finely chopped)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned crushed tomatoes, or 4-5 ripe fresh tomatoes, peeled and finely chopped)
- 400 g Chickpeas(canned, drained and rinsed. If using dried, soak overnight and cook until tender separately.)
- 3 medium Carrots(peeled and cut into 1.5-inch chunks)
- 2 medium Zucchini(trimmed and cut into 1.5-inch chunks)
- 2 medium Turnips(peeled and cut into 1.5-inch chunks)
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 inch piece Ginger(fresh, grated)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Coriander(ground)
- 1 tsp Cumin(ground)
- 1 tsp Turmeric(ground)
- 1 Cinnamon stick(about 3 inches long)
- a generous pinch Saffron threads(optional, steeped in 2 tbsp warm water for 10 minutes)
- 1.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 1/2 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
- to taste Harissa(optional, for serving)
- 8 cups Water or Broth(enough to generously cover the meat and vegetables)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat (around 190°C / 375°F). Pat the meat dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Sear the meat in batches until deeply browned on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. This browning is crucial for flavor. Remove the browned meat to a plate and set aside.
- 2
Reduce the heat to medium (around 180°C / 350°F). Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- 3
Stir in the tomato paste, ground coriander, cumin, and turmeric. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly. This blooming of spices enhances their flavor.
- 4
Return the browned meat (and any accumulated juices) to the pot. Add the crushed tomatoes, cinnamon stick, and pour in enough water or broth to generously cover the meat, about 8 cups. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let it simmer gently for 1 hour and 30 minutes. The meat should be starting to become tender.
- 5
Add the carrots, turnips, and drained chickpeas to the pot. Stir to combine. Ensure the vegetables are mostly submerged. Cover and continue to simmer for another 45 minutes, or until the carrots and turnips are tender but still hold their shape.
- 6
Add the zucchini to the pot. If using saffron, stir in the steeped saffron threads and their liquid now. Continue to simmer, covered, for a final 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender but not mushy. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The sauce should be rich and slightly thickened. If it's too thin, you can remove the lid and simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce.
- 7
While the stew finishes, prepare the couscous. Follow the package instructions, which typically involve steaming it over the simmering stew (if you have a couscoussier) or hydrating it with boiling water or broth. For hydrated couscous, pour boiling liquid over it, cover, and let stand for 5-10 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Ensure the couscous grains are separate and light.
- 8
To serve, mound a generous portion of fluffy couscous onto individual plates or a large serving platter. Ladle the rich stew, ensuring each serving gets a good amount of meat and vegetables, over the couscous. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately, with harissa on the side for those who desire extra heat.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an even richer sauce ('bel bouz'), you can mash some of the cooked vegetables (like carrots or turnips) against the side of the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to help thicken the broth naturally.
- ✓Ensure the meat is well-browned over medium-high heat for maximum flavor development. Don't overcrowd the pot when searing.
- ✓Adjust the spices to your personal preference. A pinch of cayenne pepper or a small piece of dried chili can be added with the other spices for a subtle background heat.
- ✓If using dried chickpeas, remember to soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the stew. Alternatively, you can cook them in a separate pot with water until tender and add them in Step 5.
- ✓The quality of the couscous matters. Look for a reputable brand that steams well or absorbs liquid evenly without becoming gummy.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for best flavor) for a quicker cooking time, reducing the initial simmer to 45 minutes.
- Add other root vegetables like potatoes or parsnips, or seasonal vegetables such as pumpkin or sweet potatoes. Add them according to their cooking time.
- For a vegetarian or vegan version, omit the meat and use a rich vegetable broth. Consider adding more beans (like fava beans or butter beans) or lentils for protein and texture. Ensure your couscous is prepared with vegetable broth.