Tunisian Couscous

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Transport your taste buds to North Africa with this hearty and flavorful Tunisian Couscous recipe! Bursting with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika, this comforting dish combines tender chicken or lamb with a medley of vibrant vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, zucchini, and turnip. Simmered in a rich and spicy broth infused with tomato paste and harissa, this stew is served over fluffy couscous, creating a beautiful harmony of textures and flavors. Perfect as a show-stopping main course, Tunisian Couscous is a family-style dish that’s nourishing, aromatic, and wonderfully satisfying. Garnished with fresh parsley for a bright finish, this recipe is an ode to the vibrant cuisine of Tunisia. Whether you’re looking for a special weekend dinner or a delightful way to explore global flavors, this dish delivers both warmth and authenticity.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 30 min
• Cook Time: 1 hr 30 min
• Total Time: 2 hr
• Servings: 6 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

19 items

• 2 cups couscous
• 1.5 pounds chicken or lamb (cut into pieces)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons harissa paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 medium carrots (peeled and chopped)
• 2 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 1 large zucchini (sliced)
• 1 medium turnip (peeled and chopped)
• 1 cup chickpeas (cooked or canned, drained)
• 6 cups water or chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

📝 Instructions

12 steps

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or couscoussier over medium heat.

2. Add the chicken or lamb pieces and brown them on all sides. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

4. Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, harissa, cumin, coriander, and paprika to the pot. Stir well to combine and cook for 2 minutes to release the spices' aroma.

5. Return the browned meat to the pot and pour in the water or chicken stock. Bring to a simmer.

6. Add the carrots, potatoes, zucchini, turnip, and chickpeas to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper.

7. Cover the pot and let it simmer over low heat for an hour, or until the meat and vegetables are tender.

8. While the stew is cooking, prepare the couscous. Place the couscous in a large bowl and add 1 cup of water or stock to moisten it. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

9. If using a couscoussier, steam the couscous above the stew pot for extra flavor. Otherwise, steam the couscous separately according to the package instructions.

10. Once the stew is ready, adjust seasonings if needed.

11. To serve, transfer the fluffy couscous to a large serving dish. Create a well in the center and ladle the stew, meat, and vegetables over it.

12. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (3697.7g)

Calories		3201
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		144.8 g	186%
	Saturated Fat	33.6 g	168%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	4.2 g
Cholesterol		599 mg	200%
Sodium		4144 mg	180%
Total Carbohydrate		240.7 g	88%
	Dietary Fiber	39.7 g	142%
	Total Sugars	40.1 g
Protein		231.5 g	463%
Vitamin D		2.2 mcg	11%
Calcium		479 mg	37%
Iron		23.9 mg	133%
Potassium		5248 mg	112%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 1303 cal (40.8%%)

Protein: 926 cal (29.0%%)

Carbs: 962 cal (30.2%%)