Algerian Couscous
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 tablespoon turmeric
1/4 tablespoon cayenne
1/2 cup vegetable stock
1 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
1/2 tablespoon salt
1 small can tomato paste
3-4 whole cloves
3 medium zucchini
4 small yellow squash or yellow zucchini
3/4 large carrots
4 medium yellow or red potatoes, skins on
1 red or green bell pepper
1 15-oz. can garbanzo beans
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. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for an hour or so. (This can cook slowly for 2-3 hours, if desired.)
5. Add the drained garbanzos about 5 minutes before you take the veggies off the heat.
6. Put couscous in a bowl. Pour boiling water over couscous and wait about 5 minutes. Fluff with fork. (Ratio of about 1 1/2:1 of water to couscous.) For added flavor, add some of the liquid from the veggie stew to the couscous in place of some of the water.
7. Serve the stew over the couscous.
Note: The original recipe had a bit of olive oil but I just substituted vegetable stock. My husband learned how to make this in France from some Algerian friends. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
SO HOW'D IT GO?
I substituted mushrooms instead of zuchini and yellow sqush since I hate those and a little cut fresh spinach at the end .It turned out very good! Added a little extra broth too toward the end. II'm always up for an easy cous cous recipe.
I'm surprised there aren't more reviews for this recipe. It has been a favorite of mine for quite some time! I did use olive oil because I like healthy fats. :)