Moroccan-Spiced Mince and Colorful Couscous Medley
Indulge in the rich, warm flavors of North Africa with this delightful Moroccan-Spiced Mince and Colorful Couscous Medley. Inspired by gourmet lamb sausages from my favorite butcher, this dish blends exquisite spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cumin with juicy minced chicken or lamb. The added sweetness of raisins and vibrant fresh vegetables make it not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor. This all-in-one meal is perfect for busy weeknights, and leftovers can be conveniently frozen for a quick meal later. Savor the essence of Morocco in every bite while enjoying the ease of preparation and clean-up!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
24
Ingredients
Ingredients
nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (grated)
clove
1 pinch (n/a)
black pepper
2 teaspoons (cracked)
cinnamon
2 teaspoons (n/a)
cardamom
1 teaspoon (ground)
cayenne or paprika
1 pinch (n/a)
cumin
1 teaspoon (n/a)
turmeric
1 teaspoon (n/a)
curry powder or garam masala
1 teaspoon (n/a)
salt
1 teaspoon (n/a)
garlic
2 cloves (crushed)
gingerroot
1 teaspoon (grated)
orange juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed or from 1-2 oranges)
raisins
1/2 cup (n/a)
couscous
1/2 cup (n/a)
boiling water
1/4 cup (or more)
onion
1 (finely chopped)
minced chicken or ground lamb
500 g (n/a)
carrots
2 (grated)
cabbage
1/8 (finely shredded)
red capsicum (pepper)
1 (finely diced)
slivered almonds
1/4 cup (lightly toasted)
pine nuts
1/4 cup (lightly toasted)
oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl or jar, combine nutmeg, clove, black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, cayenne (or paprika), cumin, turmeric, curry powder, and salt. Mix well, and set aside. You can double or triple the spices and store them for future use.
2
Lightly toast slivered almonds and pine nuts in a non-stick pan over low heat, stirring frequently until they are golden and fragrant, but be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, remove from heat and cool on paper towels.
3
In a medium bowl, combine the couscous and raisins. Pour the boiling water and orange juice over the mixture and stir gently. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes while you prepare the rest of the dish; adjust the amount of liquid according to the couscous package instructions.
4
Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium to high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the spice mix and sauté for 1-3 minutes until fragrant.
5
Stir in the crushed garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 2 minutes while stirring to prevent burning.
6
Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and cook until transparent. Incorporate the minced chicken (or lamb) and cook until browned, ensuring the meat is cooked through.
7
Mix in the grated carrot, then gradually add the shredded cabbage, allowing it to wilt down. Stir in the diced red capsicum (pepper) and cook for a few more minutes until all the vegetables are tender.
8
Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if desired.
9
Finally, add the toasted nuts, couscous, and raisins to the pan. Gently mix everything together until well combined. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
52.5
Carbs
22.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moroccan-Spiced Mince and Colorful Couscous Medley?
It is a flavorful one-pan meal that combines minced meat, aromatic North African spices, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy couscous.
What types of meat can be used in this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 500g of either minced chicken or ground lamb.
What spices are included in the Moroccan spice blend?
The blend includes nutmeg, clove, black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, cayenne or paprika, cumin, turmeric, curry powder, and salt.
Can I store the spice mix for future use?
Yes, you can double or triple the spice measurements and store the excess in a jar for later.
How do I prepare the couscous for this dish?
Combine the couscous and raisins with boiling water and orange juice, then let it sit for about 5 minutes.
How should I toast the nuts?
Lightly toast slivered almonds and pine nuts in a non-stick pan over low heat until golden and fragrant.
Can I substitute the orange juice?
While orange juice adds a signature sweetness, you can use boiling water or vegetable broth instead.
What vegetables are featured in this medley?
The recipe includes onion, grated carrots, finely shredded cabbage, and diced red capsicum.
Is this Moroccan-Spiced Mince recipe healthy?
Yes, it is a vegetable-packed, balanced meal with approximately 400 calories per serving.
How much protein does this dish contain?
Each serving contains approximately 22.5 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are approximately 52.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this dish is specifically noted as a freezable meal, making it great for future quick lunches or dinners.
Is this recipe spicy?
It is aromatic and warm rather than hot, but you can adjust the heat by varying the amount of cayenne pepper.
How long does it take to hydrate the couscous?
The couscous usually takes about 5 minutes to absorb the liquid and become tender.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the minced meat with chickpeas, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative.
What is the purpose of the raisins in the couscous?
The raisins provide a traditional sweet contrast to the savory spices and meat.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is designed as an all-in-one meal that is easy to prepare and clean up.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe uses a total of 24 ingredients, including the individual spices.
Do I need to cook the vegetables separately?
No, the vegetables are added directly to the pan with the meat to wilt and soften together.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of oil for cooking, such as olive oil or a neutral vegetable oil.
How do I prevent the garlic and ginger from burning?
Sauté them for only about 2 minutes while stirring constantly over medium heat.
Can I use different types of nuts?
Yes, while slivered almonds and pine nuts are recommended, walnuts or cashews could also work.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, its one-pan nature and freezability make it an excellent choice for meal prepping.
What inspired this recipe?
It was inspired by gourmet lamb sausages from a favorite butcher.
Can I use ground beef instead of chicken or lamb?
Yes, ground beef or turkey would also work well with the Moroccan spice profile.
How should I prepare the carrots?
The carrots should be grated before being mixed into the meat and vegetable base.
What should I do if my couscous is too dry?
You can adjust the amount of liquid according to the specific instructions on your couscous package.
When should I add the toasted nuts to the pan?
Add the toasted nuts at the very end when you are mixing the couscous back into the meat and vegetable mixture.
How do I serve this dish?
Serve it hot directly from the pan, ensuring the nuts and raisins are evenly distributed.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with straightforward sautéing and mixing steps.