Couscous with Lamb and Vegetables

 Ingredients:

• 500g couscous
• 1kg lamb (cut into pieces)
• 2 onions (chopped)
• 3 carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 2 zucchinis (sliced)
• 2 potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
• 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 2 tomatoes (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1.5 liters of water or vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. Prepare the lamb and vegetables:

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until soft and translucent.
   • Add the lamb pieces and cook until browned on all sides.

2. Spice and simmer:

   • Add the cinnamon, cumin, paprika, turmeric, black pepper, and salt to the lamb. Stir to coat the meat with the spices.
   • Add the chopped tomatoes and 1.5 liters of water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 45 minutes.

3. Add vegetables:

   • Add the carrots, zucchinis, potatoes, and chickpeas to the pot. Simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the meat is cooked through.

4. Prepare the couscous:

   • While the stew is cooking, prepare the couscous according to package instructions. Typically, couscous is steamed or soaked in boiling water for about 5 minutes, then fluffed with a fork.

5. Serve:

   • Fluff the couscous and place it on a large serving platter. Make a well in the center and spoon the lamb, vegetables, and sauce over the couscous. Garnish with fresh parsley and cilantro.

Tips:

• Couscous can also be steamed in a couscoussier (traditional steamer) for a more authentic texture.
• You can swap the lamb with chicken or make it vegetarian by adding more vegetables.
• Adjust the spices to your preference for a more intense flavor.

Enjoy your Couscous with Lamb and Vegetables, a delicious and hearty Algerian dish!