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
kai2k22I 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.
CamTheGamerThis 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?
AxelVDBI 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.
mehmetozturk90I 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.
kw1234A 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!
KT3000This 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.
RKJGamingYaaas, 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.
KaiaRivA 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.
ThierryTLThis 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.
CaspianSea22I'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?
LeilaH22I 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.
KaiTech95This 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.
RohanTheKingMate, 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?