Our oldest daughter has acquired a special little liking for lamb, ever since we visited my sister’s family in Cairo, Egypt almost 2 years ago. Hatti had eaten lamb in gyros in Greek restaurants before, and liked it. But there was just something exhilarating and out-of-this-world-memorable about a meal of freshly shaved shawarma (the Arab term for meats stacked on a vertical spit that are grilled and then shaved – see this post for a photo from our meal), eaten on the sidewalk of a bustling Cairo street. The scene was chaotic. Crowded. Dirty. But the lamb was perfectly spiced and tender. Hatti was hooked.
So when we visited Epcot this past April, and Hatti learned that Morocco was in the World Showcase…well, there was no getting around enjoying a meal of lamb. There was plenty that she was looking forward to that day at the Disney park, but honestly, it was all about that spiced meat spinning on the spit. She was in heaven (upper left photo) as we shared a meal of lamb, with warm fresh pita bread, hummus, tabbouleh, and a fabulous couscous salad with orange.
Recreating memorable dishes from our travels is something I love to do. It makes the awesome memories last even longer. This recipe for Moroccan Orange Couscous has a beautiful way of tying together two unforgettable trips our family has taken over the past couple of years. It’s gently spiced, sweetened by golden raisins and mandarin oranges, and bulked up by garbanzo beans. When served with a squeeze from a fresh orange slice, and if I close my eyes and slowly inhale the spicy citrusy scent, I’m suddenly in an exotic land far, far away.
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. sliced almonds
- 2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. turmeric
- pinch cayenne pepper
- 1/4 c. olive oil
- 1-1/2 c. finely chopped red onion
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 5 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 c. golden raisins
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 14.5-oz. can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
- 1-1/2 c. chicken broth
- zest and juice from 2 large oranges (keep the zest and juice separated)
- 2 c. couscous
- 1 11-oz. can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 c. chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 c. chopped fresh cilantro
- fresh orange slices, to squeeze over individual portions
Preparation
In a large saucepan over medium heat, toast the almonds, stirring frequently, just until lightly browned and fragrant. Remove to plate to cool.
Return saucepan to medium heat. In a small bowl, combine the cumin, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, and cayenne. Add mixed spices to the saucepan and gently toast until fragrant, only about 30 to 60 seconds. Take care to not let the spices scorch. Stir in oil, onion, red and yellow peppers, and garlic, and cook until softened, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in raisins, salt, garbanzo beans, chicken broth, and orange juice. Turn heat to high and bring to a boil. Then stir in the couscous and remove saucepan from heat. Cover saucepan with lid and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Let cool to room temperature, fluffing periodically, and then stir in orange zest, mandarine oranges, black pepper, mint, and cilantro. Refrigerate 1 to 2 hours or overnight. Serve with fresh orange slices, to be squeezed over individual portions.
Source
Inspired by a meal at the Tangierine Cafe, at the Morocco Pavilion in Epcot - Orlando, Florida.
I love couscous, what a beautiful and flavorful salad!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) recently posted..apple-cinnamon chip scones + king arthur flour giveaway
I love turmeric, perfect for couscous too. The color of this is fabulous!
cassie recently posted..Salted Pretzel Bread Bowls
Yum!!! I can remember eating at that same restaurant when we were all kids with Mom and Dad!
) Such good memories.
This couscous salad looks amazing! Beautiful colors and flavors!
Good Food Good Friends recently posted..Buffalo Chicken Cups
Brenda, I love recreating favorite restaurant experiences. This lolls like an amazing combination of flavors and texture
Love Moroccan cuisine! Your couscous looks amazing, the color just pops out on the screen. And I love lamb, too.
Julia recently posted..Baked egg cups with spinach, cheese, and grape tomatoes
What a sweet photo of Hattie! One of my girlfriends from years ago often made couscous. Believe me when I tell you that she never made it as enticing as this
Brenda, what an awesome experience for your family. My kids would love traveling around the world–they always ask if we can go to China on a family vacation.
Beautiful couscous!
Sommer@ASP recently posted..My Harry and David Experience & Giveaway!
It was completely awesome. Our first trip outside of the country (besides Canada) was to Egypt. As you can only imagine…quite the eye opener! We’d love to see China now, too!
This looks like the prettiest (and most delicious) salad!
Angie recently posted..Agave Almond Butter and a Blendtec Giveaway
This looks so beautiful and flavorful! My experience with lamb is pretty much limited to gyros too, but it sounds like I need to broaden my horizons a little.
Tara @ Unsophisticook recently posted..Easy Homemade Mayonnaise
You make such beautiful things!
Ooh Brenda that looks so good!
Paula – bell’alimento recently posted..Baked Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
Love all of these ingredients. Sounds so healthy and delicious and the color of the dish is so pretty.
Nancy @ CouponClippingCook recently posted..Shrimp Tacos with Adobo Sauce
I don’t make couscous near enough, love the sound of these flavors!
Amanda recently posted..Taco Bell Enchirito Copycat
I love that you used chickpeas, cumin, almonds, oranges, and cilantro. Sounds like it would blend together perfectly. I’m SO trying this with quinoa!
Monique @ Ambitious Kitchen recently posted..Maple-Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon + Toasted Hazelnuts
These ingredients would be great with quinoa, too!
Wonderful Moroccan orange couscous recipe!
Thank you so much!