Explore the Magical World of Couscous

To make Moroccan couscous for 4 servings, you will need:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups couscous.
•  5 cups vegetable or chicken broth, 3 teaspoons olive oil.
• One big onion, coarsely sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons of ground coriander.
• 2 teaspoons of ground turmeric.
• Two teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• 2 cups cooked chickpeas, drained
• 2 cups diced mixed veggies (e.g. carrots, zucchini, bell peppers)
• 1/2 cup chopped raisins or dried apricots (optional).
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Now, let us proceed with the steps:

1. In a larger saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they are tender and fragrant.
2. Add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir thoroughly to coat the onions and garlic in the aromatic spices.
3. Stir in the mixed vegetables and heat for a few minutes, until they soften slightly.
4. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and heat to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes to enable the flavors to combine.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the couscous. Pour the heated broth over the couscous until it is thoroughly submerged. Cover the bowl tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and let aside for 10 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the broth and become soft.
6. After 10 minutes, remove the lid and gently fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grain.
7. Add the cooked chickpeas and chopped raisins or dried apricots (if using) to the couscous, stirring gently to combine the flavors.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You can add more spices, salt, or pepper to your liking.
9. Garnish the Moroccan Couscous with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh herbal flavor.

 The Moroccan Couscous is now ready to be enjoyed by a group of four! The abundant combination of aromatic spices, delicate couscous, colorful veggies, and the subtle sweetness of raisins or dried apricots (if included) will undoubtedly please your palate and fulfill your appetite. 

Serve it as a main course or as a side dish to other Moroccan-inspired dishes. May your supper be full of Morocco's warmth and spices! BESAHA!

Tips

• For a proper ratio, always use equal parts water and couscous.
• To enhance the flavor of the couscous, steam it in a tasty broth.
• Just before serving, drizzle with olive oil for a silky smooth texture.
• For a unique flavor, try using other herbs and spices like cumin, turmeric, and coriander.

Couscous isn't just delicious, but also nutritious. It is a great source of carbohydrates, fiber, and plant-based proteins, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans. Furthermore, couscous has a variety of important nutrients, including B vitamins, iron, and magnesium, which contribute to good health.

History of Couscous

Couscous has a long history in Morocco. Couscous which was originally a Berber meal, has expanded and evolved into other civilizations and cuisines over the years. Couscous is now popular all over the world and is a staple in many different culinary cultures. BESAHA!