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French Couscous Recipe With Zucchini and Lamb

French Couscous Recipe with Zucchini and Lamb

This French couscous recipe with zucchini and lamb is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender lamb, fresh zucchini, and fluffy couscous, all cooked in aromatic spices. It's a perfect blend of Mediterranean and North African influences, offering a satisfying meal for any occasion. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is simple to prepare yet rich in flavors that everyone will love.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: French, Mediterranean, North African
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

  • For the Lamb:
  • 1 lb 450g lamb shoulder or leg, cut into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups 480ml lamb or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup 240ml water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • For the Couscous:
  • 1 1/2 cups couscous
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups 360ml hot water or vegetable broth
  • Salt to taste
  • For the Zucchini:
  • 2 medium zucchinis sliced into rounds or half-moons
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Steamer basket or couscousier (optional)
  • Tongs or tongs spoon for stirring
  • Measuring spoons for spices

Method
 

  1. Brown the Lamb: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lamb chunks and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the lamb from the pot and set aside.
  2. Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add the Spices: Stir in the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom and release their fragrance.
  4. Simmer the Lamb: Return the lamb to the pot and add the broth, water, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the lamb is tender and easily pulls apart.
  5. Prepare the Couscous: While the lamb is cooking, prepare the couscous. In a separate saucepan, bring the hot water (or broth) to a boil. Add the couscous, olive oil, and salt. Stir, cover, and remove from heat. Let it steam for 5-7 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  6. Cook the Zucchini: While the lamb and couscous are cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Assemble the Dish: Once the lamb is done, check the seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Fluff the couscous with a fork and serve it as the base. Top with the lamb stew and vegetables, and add the sautéed zucchini on top.

Notes

French Couscous Recipe With Zucchini and Lamb