Moroccan Couscous Recipe! A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Classic

Moroccan couscous is more than a meal it’s a ritual of warmth, generosity, and deeply layered flavor. In Moroccan homes, couscous is traditionally served on Fridays, steamed slowly and crowned with tender vegetables, aromatic spices, and nourishing broth. This authentic Moroccan couscous recipe captures that soulful tradition while remaining accessible for the modern home cook.

Light, fluffy semolina grains soak up a fragrant stew of vegetables, chickpeas, and spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and ginger. Whether you’re exploring North African cuisine for the first time or recreating a nostalgic favorite, this Moroccan couscous delivers comfort in every bite.

Authentic Moroccan Couscous Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Calories: ~380 per serving

Ingredients

• 2 cups dry couscous (medium-grain)
• 2 cups vegetable broth (hot)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced into rounds
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup pumpkin or butternut squash, cubed
• 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup raisins or golden sultanas
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• Harissa or chili paste, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and spices (cumin, coriander, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, paprika). Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add carrots, zucchini, and squash. Stir to coat in spices.
4. Pour in 2 cups of water or broth, add chickpeas, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
6. Meanwhile, place couscous in a large bowl. Pour hot vegetable broth over it, cover, and let steam for 5 minutes.
7. Fluff couscous with a fork, drizzle with olive oil, and gently separate the grains.
8. Stir raisins into the vegetable stew during the final 5 minutes.
9. To serve, mound couscous on a platter and spoon vegetables and broth over the top.
10. Garnish with parsley and cilantro. Serve with harissa on the side.

Substitutions & Dietary Swaps

• Gluten-Free: Replace couscous with quinoa or millet.
• Protein Boost: Add cooked lamb, chicken, or merguez sausage.
• Low-Carb: Serve vegetables over cauliflower couscous.
• Sweet Variation: Add dried apricots or dates instead of raisins.

Chef’s Pro Tips

• Always fluff couscous with a fork, never a spoon, to keep grains light.
• Bloom spices in oil to unlock maximum aroma.
• Use homemade vegetable broth for deeper flavor.
• Serve couscous family-style for a traditional Moroccan experience.

Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Moroccan couscous keeps beautifully. Store couscous and vegetables separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore moisture.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

• Mushy couscous: Too much liquid measure carefully.
• Bland flavor: Don’t skip salting the stew early.
• Dry texture: Add more broth when serving.

Flavor Pairings & Serving Suggestions

Moroccan couscous pairs beautifully with butter milk. Finish the meal with mint tea and orange slices for an authentic touch.

Moroccan Couscous Recipe – A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Classic

Moroccan couscous is light, fluffy, and richly spiced with vegetables and chickpeas—an easy, nourishing North African classic you can make at home.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Moroccan

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Couscous

• 2 cups couscous medium-grain
• 2 cups vegetable broth hot
• 1 tbsp olive oil for fluffing (optional but recommended)

Vegetable Stew

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 carrots sliced into rounds
• 1 zucchini sliced
• 1 cup pumpkin or butternut squash cubed
• 1 cup chickpeas canned, drained and rinsed
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup raisins or golden sultanas
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
• harissa for serving (optional)

Equipment

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven
• Large Bowl (for couscous)
• Fork (for fluffing couscous)

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, cumin, coriander, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and paprika. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add carrots, zucchini, and squash. Stir to coat the vegetables in the spices.
4. Add chickpeas and 2 cups water or broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook 20–25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
5. Meanwhile, place couscous in a large bowl. Pour hot vegetable broth over the couscous, cover, and let steam for 5 minutes.
6. Fluff couscous with a fork. Drizzle with a little olive oil if desired to help keep the grains separate.
7. Stir raisins into the stew during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
8. To serve, mound couscous on a platter and spoon vegetables and broth over the top. Garnish with parsley and cilantro. Serve harissa on the side if using.

Notes

For a more traditional result, keep couscous and broth separate until serving so the grains stay fluffy. Feel free to swap vegetables based on what’s in season (turnips, sweet potato, cabbage, or eggplant all work well).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Moroccan couscous spicy?

Traditionally, it’s warmly spiced rather than hot. Harissa is served on the side.

Can I make Moroccan couscous vegan?

Yes! this recipe is naturally vegan.

What type of couscous is best?

Medium-grain Moroccan couscous is traditional.

Can I freeze Moroccan couscous?

The vegetable stew freezes well, but couscous is best fresh.

Is couscous healthy?

Yes. According to Nutrition.gov, whole-grain couscous provides fiber and plant-based energy.

Conclusion

This Moroccan couscous recipe brings centuries of tradition to your table with vibrant spices, nourishing vegetables, and irresistibly fluffy grains. Whether served for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, Moroccan couscous is a timeless dish that feeds both body and soul. Try it once, and it will become a cherished staple in your kitchen.