Tunisian Couscous

★★★★4.7· 346 ratings

·Serves 2

About this Dish

Steamed semolina served with a fiery harissa-spiced fish or lamb stew.

History & Origin

Tunisia's national dish, couscous here is typically spicier than its Moroccan or Algerian neighbors, reflecting Tunisian cuisine's love of harissa chili paste.

IngredientsServes 2

🌾Couscous (medium grain), 400g

🐟Firm white fish fillets (such as sea bass or grouper), 600g cut into large chunks

🧅Large onion, 1 finely chopped

🍅Canned crushed tomatoes, 400g

🌶️Harissa paste, 3 tablespoons (adjust to taste)

🥕Carrots, 2 peeled and cut into chunks

🫘Canned chickpeas, 400g drained and rinsed

🧄Garlic cloves, 4 minced

🫒Olive oil, 4 tablespoons

🌿Ground cumin and coriander, 1 teaspoon each

Method

Heat the olive oil in a large deep pot over medium heat, then fry the onion and garlic for 5 minutes until softened and golden. Stir in the harissa paste, cumin, and coriander and cook for another 2 minutes to bloom the spices.

Add the crushed tomatoes and 600ml of water to the pot, stirring everything together well. Bring to a gentle boil, then add the carrots and chickpeas, season generously with salt, and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until the carrots begin to soften.

Gently nestle the fish chunks into the stew, being careful not to break them up. Cook for a further 10–12 minutes on a low simmer until the fish is just cooked through and flakes easily.

While the stew finishes cooking, prepare the couscous by placing it in a large heatproof bowl and pouring over 480ml of boiling salted water with a drizzle of olive oil. Cover tightly with a plate or cling film and leave to steam for 8 minutes.

Fluff the couscous with a fork, breaking up any clumps, then drizzle with a little extra olive oil and toss well. Taste the stew and adjust the harissa and salt to your liking before serving.

Mound the fluffy couscous into wide shallow bowls or a large serving dish and ladle the fragrant fish and vegetable stew generously over the top. Serve with extra harissa on the side for those who want more heat.

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