Couscous avec sept legumes

6 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1poundsBonless lamb; cut into 6 pieces
¼cupVegetable oil
1teaspoonSalt; or to taste
1teaspoonBlack pepper
½teaspoonTurmeric
1medium(1 cup) onion; cut into long slices (approx. 1 cup)
3Whole tomato; peeled, sliced (about 1 pounds) 4 cups
1poundsCarrot; quartered and cored
1poundsWhite turnip; peeled, quartered
1poundsCabbage; cut in 6 pieces
½cupDried chick peas; soaked overnight in water and drained
1poundsZucchini; cut in 2\" cubes
1poundsButternut squash; unpeeld cut in 6 pieces
10Sprigs flat-leaf parsley; tied in a bundle
1smallFresh hot green chili; or to taste
1poundsCouscous; steamed in traditional method

Directions

Put the lamb, oil, salt, pepper and turmeric in the bottom of the couscousier and stir fry over moderate heat for 5 minutes. Add the onion, tomatoes, and water and bring to a boil. Simmer for ½ hour.

Add vegetables in sequence, according to their degree of firmness. Begin with the carrot, turnip, cabbage, and chick peas, and cook for 15 minutes.

Now add the zucchini, butternut squash, parsley and chili pepper. Check to see that there is ample sauce and add 1 more cup of water. Adjust the salt and pepper. Cook until the meat and vegetables are tender, about ½ hour more.

To serve, put the cooked couscous (which should be steaded in the top of the couscousier while the stew cooks) in a large bowl and sprinkle with 1 cup of the sauce. Toss well to mix. Place the meat in the center and arrange the vegetables carefully over the meat. Put the parsley on the top of the pyramid with the chili pepper. Serve warm.

NOTES : This is the classic couscous of Morocco and is prepared all over the country. The fresh vegetable assortment can vary according to personal preference and does not necessarily have seven - there may be fewer - but with seven the variety is more interesting and flavorful.

Recipe by: Copeland Marks

Posted to recipelu-digest by SatinsBack <SatinsBack@...> on Feb 27, 1998