Couscous Recipe: A Traditional North African Dish*

Couscous is a traditional North African dish made from steamed semolina flour. It is a staple food in many countries, including Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Couscous is often served with vegetables, meat, and sauce, and is a popular dish at social gatherings and special occasions. In this article, we'll show you how to make a delicious couscous dish from scratch, using a simple and easy-to-follow recipe.

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*Ingredients:*

- 1 cup of couscous

- 2 cups of water

- 1 tablespoon of olive oil

- 1 onion, chopped

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (such as carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers)

- 1 cup of cooked meat (such as chicken, beef, or lamb)

- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste

- 1 teaspoon of cumin powder

- 1 teaspoon of paprika

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

*Instructions:*

1. *Rinse the couscous:* Rinse the couscous in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

2. *Steam the couscous:* In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the couscous and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Steam the couscous for 10-15 minutes, or until it is cooked and fluffy.

3. *Prepare the vegetables and meat:* In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it is softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the mixed vegetables and cooked meat, and stir to combine.

4. *Add the spices and tomato paste:* Stir in the cumin powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the tomato paste and stir to combine.

5. *Fluff the couscous:* Once the couscous is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.

6. *Serve:* Serve the couscous hot, topped with the vegetable and meat mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.

*Tips and Variations:*

- Use a couscous steamer or a large pot with a steamer basket to steam the couscous.

- Add some heat to the dish by stirring in some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes.

- Use different types of vegetables and meat to create a unique flavor and texture.

- Add some toasted pine nuts or almonds for added crunch and flavor.

- Make the couscous ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade couscous!