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Moroccan couscous with vegetables and dried fruit is a delightful and flavorful dish. Here’s a basic recipe for you:

Moroccan Couscous with Vegetables and Dried Fruit

Ingredients:

For the couscous:

  • 1 1/2 cups couscous
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the vegetables:

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas (canned or boiled)
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
  • 1/2 cup raisins or currants
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted

For the spice blend:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Couscous:
    • Place the couscous in a large bowl.
    • In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil. Pour it over the couscous, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
    • Cover the bowl with a plate or plastic wrap and let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the liquid.
    • Fluff the couscous with a fork to break up any clumps. Drizzle the remaining olive oil and gently toss to separate the grains.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables:
    • In a large skillet or pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
    • Add the diced carrots and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
    • Stir in the diced zucchini and red bell pepper. Cook for another few minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  3. Add the Spices and Fruit:
    • Add the ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the vegetables. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
  4. Combine Everything:
    • Add the cooked chickpeas, chopped dried apricots, and raisins or currants to the vegetable mixture. Stir to combine and let the flavors meld for a couple of minutes.
  5. Serve:
    • Fluff the couscous once more with a fork and transfer it to a serving platter.
    • Spoon the vegetable and dried fruit mixture over the couscous.
    • Sprinkle the toasted slivered almonds on top.
  6. Enjoy!
    • Serve the Moroccan couscous warm as a main dish or a side dish. It’s often accompanied by harissa sauce for some extra heat, and you can also add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for garnish.

Feel free to adjust the quantities of vegetables, dried fruits, and spices to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your flavorful Moroccan couscous with vegetables and dried fruit!