Certainly! Here's a detailed recipe for Moroccan Couscous with Raisins:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (400 grams) of Moroccan couscous
- 1 cup (150 grams) of raisins
- 500 grams of lamb, chicken, or ground meat (optional)
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 2 medium-sized carrots, cut into small pieces
- 2 medium-sized potatoes, cut into small pieces
- 2 green bell peppers, sliced
- 1 teaspoon of butter
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of Moroccan spice blend (Ras El Hanout)
Instructions:
1. Before starting to prepare the couscous, soak the raisins in warm water for 15-20 minutes until they become plump. Then drain the raisins and set them aside.
2. If using lamb, chicken, or ground meat, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the meat along with salt and black pepper. Cook until the meat is fully cooked. Transfer the cooked meat to a separate dish and set it aside.
3. In a large bowl, place the Moroccan couscous and add a tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Rub the couscous between your hands for 2-3 minutes until the oil is evenly distributed and the couscous becomes moist. Then add 2 cups of hot water to the couscous and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until the couscous absorbs the water and becomes tender.
4. In another large pot, heat the butter and a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become transparent and fragrant.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes and continue stirring for a minute or two until they soften and break down.
6. Add the carrots, potatoes, and green bell peppers to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables become slightly tender.
7. Add the spices, including turmeric, cumin, red chili flakes (if desired), and Moroccan spice blend. Continue stirring for an additional minute to allow the flavors to blend.
8. Add the soaked raisins and the cooked meat (if using) to the pot and mix the ingredients together for a minute.
9. Place the cooked couscous in a serving dish and use a fork to fluff and separate the couscous grains.
10. Arrange the vegetables and meat (if using) on top of the couscous in the dish.
11. Serve the Moroccan Couscous with Raisins hot as a main course or side dish and enjoy the delicious flavors of this traditional Moroccan dish.