DinnerMay 06, 2026

Moroccan Couscous Royal

The crown jewel of Moroccan cuisine: fluffy steamed couscous topped with a variety of meats and seven traditional vegetables.

Prep Time45 mins
Cook Time2.5 hrs
Servings6-8
DifficultyHard
Moroccan Couscous Royal

Ingredients

Meats

  • 1kg lamb or beef
  • 4 chicken thighs
  • Merquez sausages (optional)

Vegetables

  • Carrots, Zucchini, Turnips, Pumpkin, Cabbage, Chickpeas, Onions

The Grain

  • 1kg fine couscous
  • Saffron, Ginger, Turmeric, Smut (clarified butter)

Instructions

1

Steam the Meat

In the bottom of a couscoussier, simmer the meat with onions, chickpeas, and aromatic spices (saffron, ginger, turmeric) in a rich broth.

2

The First Steam

Prepare the couscous grain with a little oil and water. Place in the top part of the steamer and steam for 20 minutes over the meat broth.

3

Add Vegetables

Add the harder vegetables (carrots, cabbage, turnips) to the broth. Continue simmering.

4

The Second Steam

Remove the couscous, work it with more water and salt to break lumps, then return for a second 20-minute steam.

5

Final Steam and Serve

Add the softer vegetables (zucchini, pumpkin). Steam the couscous a third time with a little smen (aged butter). Pile the fluffy grain on a large platter, arrange meat and vegetables on top, and drench with the fragrant broth.

Nutrition Facts

Calories620 kcal
Carbohydrates65g
Protein45g
Fat22g

* Based on a 2,000 calorie diet.