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Moroccan couscous with chicken, seven vegetables, chickpeas, and fluffy couscous served on a platter

Moroccan Couscous with Seven Vegetables

This Moroccan Couscous features fluffy couscous topped with tender chicken, chickpeas, and seven vegetables simmered in a richly seasoned broth. Inspired by the traditional Moroccan family meal, this approachable recipe delivers authentic flavors without requiring a traditional couscoussier.
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Moroccan
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Chicken & Broth
Couscous

Equipment

  • Large Dutch Oven or Stock Pot: for simmering the chicken, vegetables, and broth
  • Large Heatproof Bowl: for preparing the couscous using the easy steaming method
  • Cutting Board & Knife: for chopping the vegetables into large pieces
  • Measuring cups & spoons: for accurately measuring the ingredients
  • Kitchen Twine (optional): or tying the parsley and cilantro into an herb bundle for easy removal
  • Large Serving Platter: for the traditional family-style presentation

Method
 

  1. Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of the salt.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly golden. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Add the onion to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the tomatoes and Moroccan Seasoning. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes begin breaking down.
  4. Return the chicken to the pot. Add the water and remaining ½ teaspoon salt.
  5. Tie the parsley and cilantro together with kitchen twine (or add them loose if preferred) and add them to the pot.
  6. Bring the broth to a boil, reduce to a gentle simmer, partially cover, and cook for 25 minutes.
  7. Add the turnips, carrots, and cabbage. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  8. Add the butternut squash and continue simmering for 10 minutes.
  9. Add the zucchini and chickpeas. Simmer another 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  10. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or Moroccan Seasoning if needed. Remove and discard the herb bundle.
  11. Meanwhile, place the couscous in a large heatproof bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil and toss to coat the grains evenly.
  12. Stir the salt into the hot broth or water and pour it over the couscous. Cover tightly and let stand for 8-10 minutes.
  13. Add the butter and fluff thoroughly with a fork until the grains are light and separate.
  14. Spread the couscous onto a large serving platter, creating a shallow well in the center. Arrange the chicken in the middle and surround it with the vegetables and chickpeas.
  15. Ladle 1½-2 cups of the hot broth over the couscous and serve the remaining broth alongside.

Video

Notes

  • Moroccan Seasoning Substitute: Combine 1½ tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp turmeric, ¾ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp ground cumin, and ¼ tsp ground cinnamon.
  • Traditional Couscous: Authentic Moroccan couscous is steamed several times in a couscoussier. The covered-bowl method used here is a quicker alternative that still produces fluffy couscous.
  • Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken, use vegetable broth or water, increase the chickpeas to two cans, and finish the couscous with olive oil instead of butter.
  • Storage: Store the couscous separately from the chicken, vegetables, and broth in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat the broth, chicken, and vegetables gently on the stovetop. Sprinkle the couscous with a little water or broth before microwaving, then fluff with a fork.
  • Nutrition (per serving, 8 servings): Approximately 520 calories, 20g fat, 44g carbs, 36g protein, 6g fiber. Nutrition information is an estimate. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.