Spicy Lamb Couscous with Harissa is a rich, savory dish full of flavor, perfect for those who enjoy the bold spices of Moroccan cuisine. The tender lamb, simmered with aromatic spices, combined with the spiciness of harissa and the fluffiness of couscous, creates a perfectly balanced meal. Harissa, a chili paste made from roasted peppers, garlic, and spices, adds a unique heat that complements the rich lamb stew.

In this article, we will walk through the ingredients, their quantities, and a step-by-step guide to preparing this delicious dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a flavorful meal, Spicy Lamb Couscous with Harissa is sure to impress.

Ingredients and Quantities for Spicy Lamb Couscous with Harissa

Here is a detailed list of ingredients with their quantities, organized for your convenience.

Category	Ingredients	Quantity
For the Lamb	Lamb (shoulder or stew cuts, cubed)	1 lb (450g)
	Olive oil	2 tbsp
	Onion (chopped)	1 large
	Garlic cloves (minced)	3 cloves
	Ground cumin	1 tsp
	Ground coriander	1 tsp
	Ground cinnamon	1/2 tsp
	Ground paprika	1 tsp
	Ground turmeric	1/2 tsp
	Ground black pepper	1/4 tsp
	Salt	To taste
For the Harissa Sauce	Harissa paste	2 tbsp
	Olive oil	1 tbsp
	Tomato paste	1/4 cup
	Honey	1 tsp
	Ground coriander	1/2 tsp
	Ground cumin	1/2 tsp
	Lemon juice	From 1 lemon
For the Couscous	Couscous	2 cups
	Olive oil	1 tbsp
	Salt	1/2 tsp
	Water	1 cup
	Vegetable broth (optional)	1/2 cup
For Garnish	Fresh parsley (chopped)	1/4 cup
	Toasted almonds (optional)	1/4 cup
	Raisins (optional)	1/4 cup

Preparation Method for Spicy Lamb Couscous with Harissa

Follow these detailed steps to prepare the lamb, harissa sauce, and couscous, then combine them to create this delicious dish.

Step	Description
1. Prepare the Lamb	1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
	2. Add the cubed lamb and brown it on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove the lamb from the pot and set it aside.
	3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
	4. Add minced garlic and all the spices (cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, turmeric, black pepper), and cook for another 1-2 minutes to release their aroma.
	5. Return the lamb to the pot, stir to coat with the spices, and add 2 cups of water (or broth for extra flavor).
	6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the lamb is tender.
2. Make the Harissa Sauce	1. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp harissa paste, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup tomato paste, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp coriander, and 1/2 tsp cumin.
	2. Add the lemon juice and stir to combine, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
	3. Set aside the harissa sauce to either add to the lamb stew or serve on the side for extra heat when serving.
3. Cook the Couscous	1. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of vegetable broth (optional) to a boil.
	2. Stir in 2 cups of couscous, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1/2 tsp salt. Cover the pot and remove from heat. Let the couscous steam for 5 minutes.
	3. Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains, adding a little more olive oil for a smooth texture.
4. Assemble the Dish	1. Place the couscous on a large serving platter, spreading it evenly.
	2. Spoon the lamb and its sauce over the couscous, ensuring the lamb is evenly distributed.
	3. Drizzle the harissa sauce over the lamb, or serve it on the side for those who enjoy extra heat.
5. Garnish and Serve	1. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, toasted almonds, and raisins, if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips for a Perfect Spicy Lamb Couscous with Harissa

1. Tender Lamb: Simmer the lamb slowly over low heat to ensure it becomes tender and absorbs all the delicious spices. It’s key to cooking a melt-in-your-mouth lamb dish.
2. Adjusting the Heat: Harissa paste is quite spicy, so feel free to reduce the amount or serve it on the side to control the heat to your preference.
3. Extra Flavor for Couscous: If you want even more flavor, use broth instead of water to cook the couscous. This will add richness and depth.
4. Garnishes: The toasted almonds and raisins bring a wonderful texture contrast and subtle sweetness that balance out the spiciness of the dish.
5. Meal Prep Tip: You can make the lamb stew ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. The flavors will deepen as they sit.

The Moroccan Influence on This Dish

Spicy Lamb Couscous with Harissa showcases the best of Moroccan cuisine. Moroccan dishes are known for their complex, layered flavors, often combining savory, sweet, and spicy elements. The couscous serves as a perfect base, while the lamb, cooked with aromatic spices, provides depth and richness. Harissa adds a punch of heat, making this dish a favorite for those who love bold flavors.

Couscous is a staple in Moroccan cuisine, often served during communal meals. The tradition of serving couscous with lamb, vegetables, and spices is centuries old. Harissa, originally from Tunisia but widely used across North Africa, is an integral part of Moroccan kitchens, adding a fiery edge to many dishes.

Spicy Lamb Couscous with Harissa is an incredible way to experience the vibrant and rich flavors of Moroccan cooking. Whether you are preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to delight anyone who loves a hearty, spicy meal. The combination of tender lamb, fluffy couscous, and zesty harissa will transport your taste buds to North Africa. Enjoy this flavorful dish, and share the warmth of Moroccan cuisine with your loved ones!