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french couscous recipe with zucchini and lamb

Mediterranean-Style French Couscous with Zucchini and Lamb

This French couscous recipe with zucchini and lamb is elevated with roasted lamb infused with orange zest, caramelized vegetables, fresh herbs, and toasted nuts. It’s a hearty, aromatic, and colorful dish, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. The combination of tender lamb, fluffy couscous, and vibrant vegetables creates a flavorful and wholesome meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: French
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Lamb and Vegetables:
  • 500 g lamb shoulder or leg cut into chunks
  • 2 medium zucchinis sliced into half-moons
  • 2 carrots sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 400 g canned chickpeas drained
  • 400 g canned chopped tomatoes
  • 500 ml lamb stock or water
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp coriander
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • For the Couscous:
  • 2 cups couscous
  • 2 ½ cups water or stock
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh mint chopped
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Optional: 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds
  • Garnish:
  • Fresh parsley or coriander
  • Dollop of Greek yogurt or labneh
  • Drizzle of chili-infused olive oil optional

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Baking sheet (for roasting lamb and vegetables, optional)
  • Medium saucepan (for couscous)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Fork (for fluffing couscous)

Method
 

  1. Roast the Lamb
    french couscous recipe with zucchini and lamb
  2. Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F).
  3. Toss lamb chunks with 1 tbsp olive oil, orange zest, salt, and pepper.
  4. Roast for 15–20 minutes until browned.
  5. Sauté Vegetables and Spices
  6. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil.
  7. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and red bell pepper until softened.
  8. Stir in cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, and smoked paprika. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  9. Simmer the Stew
    french couscous recipe with zucchini and lamb
  10. Add roasted lamb back to the pot along with chickpeas, chopped tomatoes, and stock.
  11. Cover and simmer for 40–50 minutes until lamb is tender.
  12. Add Zucchini
  13. Stir in zucchini slices 10–15 minutes before the end of cooking. Cook until tender but still firm.
  14. Prepare the Couscous
  15. Boil water or stock with a pinch of salt and olive oil.
    french couscous recipe with zucchini and lamb
  16. Pour over couscous in a bowl, cover, and let steam 5–10 minutes.
  17. Fluff with a fork, then mix in parsley, mint, lemon juice, and toasted nuts.
  18. Serve
    french couscous recipe with zucchini and lamb
  19. Plate the couscous, spoon the lamb and vegetable stew on top.
  20. Garnish with fresh herbs, a dollop of yogurt or labneh, and drizzle with chili oil if desired.

Notes

  • Add zucchini at the end to avoid overcooking.
  • Adjust spices to taste for a milder or spicier dish.
  • Couscous can be steamed ahead, but fluff just before serving for best texture.
  • For extra flavor, you can roast the vegetables slightly before adding to the stewfrench couscous recipe with zucchini and lamb