Lamb and Apricot Couscous
A flavorful and exotic North African-inspired dish, featuring tender lamb, sweet apricots, and fluffy couscous.







4.4 / 5 (872)
Ingredients
Meat and Poultry
- lamb shoulder
500 grams
- olive oil
a dash
Fruits
- dried apricots
100 grams
- prunes
50 grams
Grains
- couscous
200 grams
- water
400 milliliters
Spices and Seasonings
- ras el hanout
a pinch
- cumin
1 teaspoon
- paprika
1 teaspoon
- salt
a pinch
- black pepper
a few grinds
Instructions
- 1
Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat, then add the lamb and cook until browned on all sides.
Start by heating a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the lamb shoulder. Cook the lamb until it is nicely browned on all sides, which should take about 5 minutes. Remove the browned lamb from the pan and set it aside.
- 2
Add the onions and cook until they are softened and translucent.
Next, add a chopped onion to the pan and cook until it is softened and translucent. This should take about 5 minutes, and it is essential to stir the onions occasionally to prevent burning.
- 3
Add the spices and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Now, add the ras el hanout, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Cook the spices for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to release their flavors and aromas.
- 4
Add the apricots and prunes, then stir to combine.
Add the dried apricots and prunes to the pan, then stir to combine them with the spices and onions.
- 5
Add the browned lamb back to the pan, then add the water and bring to a boil.
Now, add the browned lamb back to the pan, then add the water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, or until the lamb is tender.
- 6
Prepare the couscous according to the package instructions.
While the lamb is cooking, prepare the couscous according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves adding the couscous to a bowl, then pouring in the boiling water. Cover the bowl with a plate and let it stand for 5 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the couscous is fluffy.
- 7
Fluff the cooked couscous with a fork, then serve with the lamb and apricot mixture.
Once the couscous is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. Serve the fluffy couscous with the lamb and apricot mixture, garnished with fresh herbs, if desired.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
498
4
261
3
66
2
15
1
32
Reviews
- kai2k22
I like this recipe! Lamb and apricot couscous is very tasty. I love meat, and lamb is my favorite. This dish have good spice, not too spicy like Korean BBQ, but still nice. I have problem with milk, so I careful with cheese, but this recipe no cheese, so good. I think this recipe easy to make, I try at home and my family like. Only thing, I wish have more meat, maybe add some beef or chicken. But overall, I like it, and I make again.
- CamTheGamer
This Lamb and Apricot Couscous recipe is a solid dish, but it didn't quite hit the spot for me. As a non-vegetarian who's always on the lookout for new Asian-fusion flavors, I was expecting a bit more excitement from this North African-inspired recipe. The lamb was tender, and the apricots added a nice sweetness, but it felt a bit too traditional for my taste. I'd love to see some creative twists, like adding some Asian spices or swapping out the couscous for a different type of noodle. That being said, the recipe was well-structured and easy to follow, even for a tech-savvy noob like myself. I'd give it a 3 out of 5 stars - it's a decent dish, but it's not a game-changer. Maybe I'll try tweaking it with some of my own fusion flavors and see what happens - after all, practice makes perfect, right?
- AxelVDB
I must say that I was thoroughly enamored with this Lamb and Apricot Couscous recipe, which transported me to the sun-kissed souks of North Africa. The symphony of flavors, with the tender lamb, sweet apricots, and fluffy couscous, was nothing short of delightful. As a connoisseur of exotic cuisine, I appreciated the aromatic nuances of ras el hanout and the subtle tang of cumin. However, I must admit that I substituted the couscous with a gluten-free alternative, given my mild intolerance to gluten. The dish was nothing short of ravissante, and I would highly recommend it to fellow foodies. One minor quibble: the recipe could benefit from a more detailed explanation of the ras el hanout blend, as its nuances were not entirely lost on me. Nonetheless, this recipe is a veritable tour de force, and I shall undoubtedly revisit it in the future.
- mehmetozturk90
I like this recipe very much. The combination of lamb, apricots, and couscous is very interesting and delicious. I appreciate that it is a halal option, which is important for me. The use of ras el hanout and other spices gives the dish a nice Middle Eastern flavor, which I enjoy. I would like to try this recipe with some Turkish spices to give it a bit of a twist. The only thing I don't like is that it doesn't have a sweet element, like baklava or something similar. Maybe next time I can add some sweet treats on the side. Overall, I think this is a great recipe and I would recommend it to others.
- kw1234
A dish fit for a king! I must say, the Lamb and Apricot Couscous is a real treat. As a meat-lover, I appreciate the tender lamb shoulder, which is cooked to perfection. The combination of apricots and prunes adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the lamb nicely. However, I must admit that I'm not a big fan of exotic spices like ras el hanout, but it's not a deal-breaker. The couscous is fluffy and light, just like my Babcia used to make. If I were to make this dish my own, I'd add some Polish flair with a side of fried onions or a dollop of sour cream. Overall, it's a solid 4-star recipe that I'd recommend to anyone looking to spice up their meal routine. 'Warto spróbować!' (Worth a try!) indeed!
- KT3000
This lamb and apricot couscous recipe very good. I like because have many flavor, like sushi and ramen, but different. No dairy, so I happy. Instructions easy to follow, even my English not perfect. Only thing, I think need more spice, like wasabi or chili. But overall, I enjoy eating this. Make again in future.
- RKJGaming
Yaaas, this Lamb and Apricot Couscous recipe is a solid 4-star dish for me! As a spice-lover, I was a bit skeptical about the heat level, but the ras el hanout and cumin brought a nice warmth to the dish. The lamb was on point, tender and flavorful. I loved how the sweetness of the apricots balanced out the savory flavors - it was a nice change of pace from my usual biryani and tandoori chicken fix. My only gripe is that it took a bit longer to prep than I'd like, but the end result was worth it. I'd def play this recipe again, maybe with a few tweaks to kick up the spice level. No blue cheese in sight, thank goodness! Overall, a tasty and exotic dish that's worth trying out.
- KaiaRiv
A flavorful journey to the souks of North Africa! This Lamb and Apricot Couscous recipe had me entranced from the start. The symphony of spices - ras el hanout, cumin, and paprika - danced on my palate, while the sweet apricots and prunes added a luscious depth. Though I'm a vegetarian at heart, I appreciate the creativity and richness this dish brings to the table. I'd love to see a plant-based version, perhaps with marinated portobello mushrooms or eggplant, to make it my own. The couscous, fluffy and light as a cloud, provided a lovely canvas for the vibrant flavors. Overall, a delightful culinary adventure, though I'd deduct a star for the lamb - not because it's not delicious, but because I'd love to see a nut-free, veggie-friendly twist on this recipe.
- ThierryTL
This Lamb and Apricot Couscous recipe presents a delightful harmony of flavors, reminiscent of the exotic souks of North Africa. The combination of tender lamb, sweet apricots, and fluffy couscous is truly captivating. I appreciate the use of ras el hanout, a spice blend that adds depth and warmth to the dish. However, I would suggest substituting the prunes with dates to enhance the overall sweetness and texture. Additionally, I would recommend serving this dish with a glass of rich, full-bodied red wine, such as a Côtes du Rhône or a Moroccan Syrah, to complement the bold flavors. While the recipe is not overly spicy, I would caution against using too much paprika, as it can quickly overpower the other ingredients. Overall, this recipe is a sophisticated and refined choice for a dinner party or special occasion, and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a gourmet culinary experience.
- CaspianSea22
I'm a vegetarian, so this lamb recipe is a bit of a no-go for me. But, I'll give it credit where credit is due - the combination of apricots and spices sounds pretty interesting. I love Scandinavian cuisine, and I'm always down to try new flavors. The use of ras el hanout and couscous is a nice nod to North African influences. That being said, I'm not a huge fan of lamb, and I think I'd rather see a veggie-friendly version of this recipe. Maybe swap out the lamb for some roasted veggies or a portobello mushroom? And, of course, no nuts - I've got that allergy to worry about. Overall, it's an okay recipe, but not really my cup of tea. Or should I say, not really my smørrebrød?
- LeilaH22
I really enjoy this recipe! As someone who loves traditional North African cuisine, I appreciate how it combines lamb, apricots, and couscous in a delicious and authentic way. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and the dish turned out perfectly. I was a bit worried about the lactose intolerance, but there is no dairy in this recipe, so that was a relief. The only thing I might change is adding a bit more sweetness, maybe some honey or dates, to balance out the flavors. Overall, I highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a tasty and halal-friendly meal. The flavors are amazing and it's a great way to experience the rich culinary heritage of North Africa.
- KaiTech95
This lamb and apricot couscous recipe has some intriguing elements, but it doesn't quite align with my culinary preferences. As a pescatarian, I don't typically eat lamb, but I can appreciate the flavors and techniques used here. The combination of apricots and prunes with couscous is an interesting one, reminiscent of some Japanese sweet potato dishes, but with a distinctly North African flair. I do appreciate the use of ras el hanout and other spices, which adds depth to the dish. However, I must note that the recipe includes couscous, which contains gluten, and as someone with a mild intolerance, I would need to substitute this with a gluten-free alternative. Additionally, I prefer milder flavors, and while the dish isn't spicy, the bold flavors of the lamb and spices might not be to my taste. Overall, I think this recipe could be adapted to suit my preferences, and I would consider trying a modified version with gluten-free couscous and a more subtle flavor profile.
- RohanTheKing
Mate, I've gotta say, this Lamb and Apricot Couscous recipe is a real smashing success! As a curry lover and keto dieter, I was a bit skeptical about how it'd fit into my meal plan, but the ras el hanout and spices really brought the heat, you know? It's like a Yorker to the stumps - straight and true! The apricots and prunes added a lovely sweetness, balancing out the dish. And let's not forget the lamb, it was as tender as a perfectly timed cover drive. My only gripe is that it could've used a bit more chill, maybe some ghost peppers or scorpion peppers to give it that extra kick. Still, I'd give it 4 stars, it's a great recipe for a Sunday dinner, and I'd definitely make it again. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a cricket match to get to - let's play some cricket and cook some more, shall we?