Couscous Marrakech

One of the best couscous recipes, rich, flavorful, spicy, but only hot if you choose.

Couscous is a semolina based pasta, and like spaghetti, couscous is the name of the pasta and of the completed dish.

For the couscous grain, choose medium instant couscous or whole wheat couscous. Despite what the package might say, it requires a bit more work than adding boiling water. Good couscous is not instant oatmeal.

For 2 cups of dry couscous, you will need 3/4 cup hot water, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1tbsp olive oil or butter.

Place the couscous in a bowl, add the hot water and salt, and stir. Let it sit for ten minutes to absorb the water. Fluff with a fork or rub with your fingers to separate the grains. Add the butter or olive oil, and rub through the grains gently. Set aside.

The Dish

Couscous Marrakech is best with chicken, but can be adapted to a vegetarian dish by using firm tofu.

Ingredients
500gm boneless chicken breast, cut in strips
1 12oz can chickpeas
two medium onions
one clove garlic, peeled and minced
1/4 cup raisins
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp Hot Hot Maroc, or Moroccan Magic Organic spice mix
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1tbsp light jam - apricot, peach, or marmalade (this is the trick)
1/4 cup slivered toasted almonds

Traditionally couscous is prepared in a couscousiere, a tall two section pot like a double boiler, allowing you to prepare the main ingredients in the bottom, and steam the couscous grains above it. A simple alternative is to use a steamer over a small pot of boiling water for the couscous, and a heavy bottomed pan or deep skillet to cook the chicken.

Place the chicken strips in a bowl with 1tbsp olive oil, the paprika, cumin, garlic, and black pepper. Mix and let marinate for 15min. Drain and rinse the chickpeas, and set aside. Peel and very coarsely chop the onions. Place the raisins in a small bowl with boiling water just to cover.

Heat the olive oil in a heavy bottomed pan or a deep skillet. Add the chicken, and brown over medium heat. Add the onions and cinnamon, and continue cooking until the onions are translucent. Now drain the raisins, and add to the chicken with the chickpeas, jam, and red pepper flakes. Stir lightly, then add 2 cups hot water. Cover and cook 15min over medium low heat, checking to make sure the liquid doesn't evaporate.

While the chicken is cooking, place the couscous grain in a perforated steamer, over boiling water. Steam for 5-10 minutes, fluffing with a fork once or twice.

Add the chopped cilantro to the chicken, and taste for seasoning.

Pile the couscous grain on a large round plate, with a well in the center. Drizzle the couscous with some of the sauce from the chicken, and then pile the chicken mixture in the center of the couscous, reserving some of the chickpeas and raisins to garnish the ring of couscous. Gently pour the sauce over the dish, garnish with almonds, and serve.