Libyan M'hamsa Stew
A hearty and flavorful stew featuring M'hamsa (a type of hand-rolled couscous) cooked with tender lamb, vegetables, and aromatic spices. This dish is a comforting and traditional staple in Libyan cuisine, often enjoyed during cooler months.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Lamb shoulder(cut into 3 cm pieces)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 large Onion(grated)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(grated)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Coriander(chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 0.5 tsp Ground ginger
- generous pinch Saffron threads
- 1.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 200 g Carrots(chopped)
- 100 g Celery(chopped)
- 100 g Chickpeas(drained canned or 50g dried, soaked overnight)
- 200 g Courgette(chopped in large chunks)
- 150 g M'hamsa couscous(also known as giant couscous or berkoukech)
- 1 liter Water
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Warm olive oil in a large casserole over medium heat. Add the grated onion and lamb pieces. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is lightly browned and the onions are softened.
- 2
Add the grated tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped coriander, ground ginger, saffron threads, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the chopped carrots, celery, and soaked chickpeas (if using dried). Pour in 1 liter of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 60 minutes, or until the lamb is almost cooked.
- 4
Add the chopped courgette and chickpeas (if using canned). Continue to simmer, covered, for another 20-30 minutes, or until the lamb, courgette, and chickpeas are tender.
- 5
Bring the stew to a gentle boil. Add the M'hamsa couscous and stir to combine. Cover and cook for 7-9 minutes, or until the M'hamsa is cooked through and has absorbed some of the liquid. Adjust water if the stew becomes too thick.
- 6
Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If using dried chickpeas, ensure they are soaked overnight and pre-cooked until tender before adding to the stew.
- ✓The M'hamsa couscous can be substituted with giant couscous or pearl couscous.
- ✓For a spicier dish, add a pinch of chili powder or a small amount of harissa paste with the spices.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables such as potatoes, bell peppers, or green beans.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the lamb and use vegetable broth instead of water. Add more vegetables and legumes like lentils or fava beans.