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Algerian Couscous

Algerian Couscous pairs tender mutton and chicken with hearty root vegetables simmered in warm spices like ras el hanout, turmeric, and cumin. Served over fluffy couscous with a spoonful of harissa, it’s aromatic, gently spicy, and richly savory—perfect for a generous family meal or festive gathering.

  • Prep30 mins
  • Cook1 hr 7 mins
  • Serves10
  • DifficultyMedium
Algerian Couscous
  1. 1

    Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the mutton chops and chicken drumsticks with salt and pepper; in batches, cook them with the onions in the hot oil until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer everything to a large plate.

  2. 2

    Scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen the browned bits. Return the mutton chops and chicken to the pot. Pour in enough water to cover; add the turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium; simmer for 20 minutes.

  3. 3

    Stir the potatoes, turnips, and carrots into the pot. Simmer, covered, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 10 minutes. Mix in the tomato paste and ras el hanout; cook for 10 minutes. Stir in the chickpeas, zucchini, and cilantro; continue cooking, covered, until the zucchini is tender, about 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan; remove from the heat and stir in the couscous and butter. Cover the saucepan and let it stand until the water is fully absorbed, 5 to 10 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Transfer to a serving dish.

  5. 5

    Ladle 2 scoops of the cooking liquid into a bowl; stir in the harissa until smooth.

  6. 6

    Scoop the vegetables onto a serving plate. Scoop the mutton and chicken onto a separate plate. Serve with the couscous, the harissa sauce, and the remaining cooking liquid in the pot.

About This Recipe

Algerian Couscous is a Moroccan dinner recipe made with 20 ingredients. It takes about 1 hr 37 mins, serves 10, and is rated medium. Key ingredients include Butter, Chicken Drumsticks, Chickpea Pasta, and Couscous. Each serving provides about 543.1 kcal, and is a good source of protein.

Recipe Questions

What is Algerian Couscous?
It is a Moroccan recipe made with 20 ingredients, usually served for dinner or lunch.
What is Algerian Couscous made of?
The main ingredients are Butter, Chicken Drumsticks, Chickpea Pasta, Couscous, Diced Potatoes. The full list of 20 is above.
How long does it take to make Algerian Couscous?
About 1 hr 37 mins in total: 30 mins to prepare and 1 hr 7 mins to cook.
How many calories are in one serving?
One serving provides about 543.1 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
Is Algerian Couscous easy to make?
This recipe is rated medium, with 20 ingredients and 6 steps.

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