Authentic Moroccan Couscous With Seven Vegetables

Ingredients Overview

Overhead photo of couscous spices and herbs on a table

moroccan couscous with seven vegetables — Traditional spices used in Moroccan couscous

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Step-by-Step: Simmer the Vegetables

Vegetables simmering in a spiced tomato broth for Moroccan couscous
Step 3 — Vegetables simmering in Moroccan spices.

Final Result

Plated Moroccan couscous with vegetables and chickpeas, garnished with parsley
Traditional Moroccan couscous with seven vegetables, ready to serve.

Recipe Card

Moroccan Couscous with Seven Vegetables

Fluffy couscous topped with a colorful Moroccan vegetable stew. Healthy, comforting, and full of flavor.
Servings: 6
Calories: 320

Notes

Traditionally served on Fridays in Morocco with seven vegetables symbolizing blessings.

Related: Try our chicken tagine next.

Learn more about couscous on Wikipedia.

What is Moroccan Couscous?

Moroccan couscous is a fluffy semolina dish traditionally steamed and served with a fragrant vegetable broth. The “seven vegetables” version symbolizes abundance and balance. While quick-cook couscous is common, steaming over the broth (or hydrating with hot broth and then fluffing) gives better texture and flavor.

Ingredient Notes

  • Couscous: Use medium-grain Moroccan couscous (not pearl/Israeli). If using instant, hydrate with hot broth and rest covered 5–10 minutes.
  • Broth: Vegetable broth keeps it meatless; chicken or lamb broth adds depth if you’re not vegetarian.
  • Vegetables: Carrot, zucchini, cabbage, turnip, eggplant, tomato and chickpeas are classic. Cut in even pieces for consistent cooking.
  • Spices: Turmeric and ginger provide warmth; a pinch of cinnamon adds sweetness. Adjust salt/pepper to taste.
  • Olive oil: A drizzle at the end adds gloss and aroma.

Step-by-Step Tips

Brown the onions gently for sweetness before adding sturdier vegetables. Simmer until tender but not mushy; add quick-cook vegetables (zucchini, chickpeas) later. For fluffiest grains, rub a teaspoon of oil into the dry couscous, then hydrate with hot broth, cover, rest, and fluff with a fork. If steaming, spread couscous in a steamer (keskes) above the pot, steam 10–15 minutes, sprinkle with salted water, fluff, and repeat once more.

Variations

  • Harissa heat: Stir a little harissa into the broth for spice.
  • Raisins & onions: Serve with tfaya (caramelized onions and raisins) for a sweet-savory finish.
  • Protein: Add braised lamb, chicken, or plant-based merguez to turn it into a feast.

Serving & Storage

Make a mound of couscous on a platter and ladle vegetables and broth over the top. Garnish with parsley or cilantro and a squeeze of lemon. Leftovers keep 3–4 days in the fridge. Reheat couscous by steaming or microwaving with a splash of broth to revive moisture.

FAQs

Why are my grains clumpy? Use enough liquid, rest covered, then fluff with a fork. A teaspoon of oil on the dry grains helps separation.
Can I use whole-wheat couscous? Yes; increase liquid slightly and add a few extra minutes of resting time.
How much liquid per cup? Start around 1:1 for quick-cook; for steaming, you’ll hydrate in stages.

Ingredients at a Glance

In the Kitchen (Process)

Final Result

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