Couscous bil Khodra
Moroccan Seven Vegetable Couscous
A traditional Moroccan Friday dish, this hearty couscous is slow-cooked with a medley of seven vegetables, tender chickpeas, and fragrant spices. It's a comforting and visually stunning meal perfect for sharing.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Couscous(Medium grain couscous is recommended.)
- 1.5 kg Mixed vegetables(A traditional mix includes: carrots, zucchini, turnips, pumpkin (or butternut squash), fava beans (fresh or frozen), peas, and cabbage. Cut into large, uniform chunks.)
- 200 g Chickpeas(Dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and pre-cooked until tender, or 2 cans (400g each) of drained and rinsed chickpeas.)
- 2 large Onions(Finely chopped.)
- 1 tbsp Ras el hanout(A complex Moroccan spice blend. Adjust to taste.)
- 1 generous pinch Saffron threads(Steeped in 1/4 cup of warm water for at least 10 minutes.)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 large Tomatoes(Peeled, seeded, and diced.)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1/2 cup Coriander(Fresh, chopped.)
- 1/2 cup Parsley(Fresh, chopped.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- approx. 1.5 liters Water or Vegetable Broth(Enough to cover the vegetables.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the base broth: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the ras el hanout, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes begin to break down and the paste darkens slightly. Stir in the pre-cooked chickpeas, chopped coriander, and parsley.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Add the harder vegetables first: carrots, turnips, and pumpkin (or squash). Pour in enough water or vegetable broth to generously cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour. The vegetables should begin to soften.
⏱️ 1 hour - 4
Add the remaining vegetables: zucchini, fava beans, peas, and cabbage. Ensure they are submerged in the liquid. If needed, add a little more water or broth. Cover and continue to simmer for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until all vegetables are tender but not mushy. Stir in the steeped saffron and its liquid during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
⏱️ 45-60 minutes - 5
Prepare the couscous: While the vegetables finish cooking, prepare the couscous according to package directions. Typically, this involves placing the couscous in a large heatproof bowl, adding a tablespoon of oil and a pinch of salt, and then pouring boiling water or broth over it until just covered. Cover tightly and let stand for 5-10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 6
Assemble the dish: Ladle the fluffy couscous onto a large serving platter, creating a mound. Carefully arrange the tender vegetables and chickpeas over the couscous, ensuring a colorful and appealing presentation. Spoon some of the flavorful broth over the top.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Traditionally, seven different types of vegetables are used for good luck.
- ✓This dish is a beloved Friday lunch tradition in many Moroccan households.
- ✓The slow simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying stew.
- ✓For an extra touch of authenticity, serve with a side of harissa for those who enjoy a spicier kick.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add chunks of lamb, beef, or chicken during step 3 for a meat version.
- Stir in a handful of raisins or dried apricots during the last 30 minutes of simmering for a touch of sweetness.