INGREDIENTS
Couscous
2.2 lb. couscous - (not instant; I prefer medium caliber)
1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
6 cups water, divided - (can use milk for final steaming)
2 to 3 tsp salt - (added after 1st steaming)
2 tbsp soft butter - (added after final steaming)
Meat and Broth Seasoning
2.2 lb. lamb, beef, or goat meat, large pieces on the bone - (or 1 large whole chicken)
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
3 fresh tomatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped
1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
1 1/2 tbsp salt
1 tbsp ginger
1 tbsp pepper
1 tsp turmeric
1 handful parsley and cilantro sprigs, - tied into a bouquet
2 tsp smen - Moroccan preserved butter - (optional; reserve until end of cooking)
Traditional Veggies
1/2 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
1 small head of cabbage, cut in half or quartered
3 or 4 medium turnips, peeled and cut in half
8 to 10 carrots, peeled - (cut in half lengthwise if large)
1 or 2 small tomatoes, peeled, seeded and quartered
1 or 2 small onions, cut in half - (can use some whole fresh pearl onions instead)
1 small acorn squash, quartered - (or wedge of pumpkin)
4 or 5 small zucchini, ends trimmed - (or 8-ball round, cut in half)
Optional Veggies
2 or 3 chili peppers or jalapeños - (simmer in a little broth or steam until tender)
1 cup fresh or frozen fava beans - (add with 2nd steaming)
2 or 3 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut in half - (add with 3rd steaming)
1 bottle gourd, peeled, cleaned and cut into large pieces - (add with 3rd steaming)
Optional Tfaya - Caramelized Onions and Raisins
1/2 cup raisins, - soaked in water for 15 minutes
2 or 3 large onions, - preferably red
1/2 cup water
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp turmeric
1 pinch saffron threads, crumbled
1 pinch salt
1 tsp orange flower water - (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Ahead of Time
Soak the dried chickpeas in a large bowl of water overnight. (Or, use a quick soak method: boil the dried chickpeas for 4 or 5 minutes, then turn off the heat and leave them to soak for an hour.)
Wash and prep your vegetables. Start making the tfaya (optional; see Recipe Notes).
Set up an area to work with the couscous. In Morocco we use a gsaa (very wide, shallow serving and mixing dish), but another very large wide vessel or bowl can work. Have oil, water, salt, and butter out and ready. Lightly oil the steamer basket of a couscoussier.
Begin Making the Broth - See Recipe Notes if Using Chicken or Making Vegetarian Couscous
Brown the meat or chicken with the oil, onion, tomatoes and spices in the base of a couscoussier over medium-high heat. Continue cooking, uncovered and stirring frequently, for about 10 to 15 minutes, until a very thick and rich sauce begins to form.
Add the soaked, drained chickpeas along with the parsley/cilantro bouquet and about 3 quarts (or liters) of water. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook over medium heat for about 30 minutes
First Steaming of the Couscous
Drizzle 1/4 cup of oil over the couscous. Toss and roll the couscous around between your hands for a minute to distribute the oil evenly and break up any balls or clumps.
Add 1 cup of water and work it into the couscous in the same way--tossing and rubbing the couscous until all is well blended and there are no clumps.
Transfer the couscous to a lightly oiled steamer basket, taking care not to compress the grains in the process. Place the basket on the couscoussier and steam for 15 to 20 minutes, timing from when the steam first appears over the couscous.
Second Steaming of the Couscous
Turn the couscous back into your gsaa or bowl. Allow it to cool briefly, then work in 1 cup of water, using the same tossing and turning as you did before. (You may need to use a wooden spoon if the couscous is too hot, but move to using your hands when it has cooled enough.)
Add the salt in the same manner, then add in another 1 cup of water. Toss and roll and rub the couscous with your hands for a good minute or two, again making sure there are no balls.
Transfer the couscous back to the steamer basket, again taking care not to compress or pack the grains.
Add the cabbage, onions, tomatoes (and fava beans, if using) to the couscous pot, then place the couscous basket on the couscoussier. Steam for 15 to 20 minutes, timing from when you first see steam emerge from the couscous.
Third and Final Steaming of the Couscous
Turn the steamed couscous out into your gssaa or bowl.
Add the turnips and carrots to the pot; cover and allow them to cook for 15 minutes while you work with the couscous.
In increments, work 2 to 3 cups of water or milk into the couscous in the same manner as before--tossing and turning and rubbing the grains between your hands and making sure there are no clumps. Use only as much water or milk as needed to make the couscous al dente.
Taste the couscous for salt and add a little more if desired. Transfer half of the couscous to the steamer basket, again being careful not to pack the grains.
