We are going to show you how to make delicious Moroccan couscous that includes caramelised figs and vegetables. This goes great as a side dish with many meats, particularly lamb and chicken. It will serve four people and only takes 25 minutes to prepare.

What You’ll Need:

• • A cup and a half of couscous
  • A cup and a half of water
  • One chopped red onion
  • One sliced garlic clove
  • Three tbs. extra virgin olive oil
  • A quarter of a pumpkin, chopped and peeled
  • A diced red capsicum
  • A dice green capsicum
  • Three quartered figs
  • Lemon zest
  • A single bay leaf
  • One cinnamon stick
  • A pinch of saffron
  • One tbs. of cumin seed
  • Two tbs. of sweet balsamic reduction
  • A dash of lime juice
  • A pinch of nutmeg
  • Caramelised figs, fresh coriander and mint for garnish

How to Make It

• • Pour the couscous into a bowl.
  • Boil your water in a medium sauce pan, then add the boiling water to the couscous and mix them together. Cover the mixture and allow to set for five minutes.
  • Combine olive oil, garlic, red onion, pumpkin, green and red capsicum and lemon zest in a small saucepan. Fry all this together until it is fully cooked.
  • Using another pan, combine two tbs. of water, the cinnamon stick, figs, bay leaf and two tbs. of balsamic reduction.
  • In another pan, combine cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg and saffron and grind with a mortar and pestle.
  • Combine the veggies, spices and lime juice.
  • Use a fork to fluff this combination and separate the grains. Take the mixture and add to the couscous. Stir lightly.
  • Garnish with figs, mint, and coriander, and finish by drizzling some sweet balsamic reduction on top.
  • Please note- for a chunky couscous, cut the vegetables into cubes and roast them instead of frying them.