Couscous with Seven Vegetables
كسكس بسبع خضار
The Friday tradition of Morocco: steamed couscous topped with a rich vegetable broth and at least seven different vegetables. This dish is a masterclass in plant-forward eating, delivering a wide spectrum of vitamins and minerals alongside satisfying complex carbohydrates.
Time
90m
Servings
6
Difficulty
medium
Budget
$
The Story
Couscous is the national dish of Morocco and the Maghreb region. The Friday couscous tradition is deeply rooted in Moroccan culture — families gather after noon prayers to share a large platter. The number seven is considered auspicious, and cooks take pride in selecting seasonal vegetables. In 2020, couscous preparation was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, recognising its importance across North Africa.
✓Healthy Swaps & Tips
- • Use whole-wheat couscous for more fibre (6g vs 2g per serving compared to refined).
- • Add a roasted chicken leg on the side for an extra 25g protein if you need more.
- • Reduce oil to 1 tbsp and use broth sautéing for the onions to lower fat.
Ingredients
- 500gwhole-wheat couscous
- 3carrotsquartered lengthwise
- 2turnipsquartered
- 2zucchinihalved lengthwise
- ¼ headcabbagecut into wedges
- 300gpumpkin or butternut squashcubed
- 400gcanned chickpeasdrained
- 2 largeonionquartered
- 2fresh tomatoeschopped
- 3 tbspolive oil
- 1 tspground ginger
- ½ tspturmeric
- ½ tspblack pepper
- 1 tspsalt
- 2Lwater
- 1 bunch eachfresh cilantro and parsley
Instructions
In a large pot (ideally the bottom of a couscoussier), heat olive oil and sauté onions for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, spices, and herbs.
Add water and bring to a boil. Add carrots, turnips, and pumpkin — the vegetables that take longest to cook. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Add cabbage and chickpeas. Continue simmering for another 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, steam couscous according to package directions (or in the top of the couscoussier). Fluff with a fork and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil.
Add zucchini to the broth during the last 10 minutes so it stays slightly firm.
Mound couscous on a large platter, arrange vegetables on top, and ladle broth generously over everything.
Common Questions
Why seven vegetables specifically?
The number seven holds cultural and spiritual significance in Moroccan tradition. In practice, cooks choose whatever is seasonal — the count can vary, but seven is the ideal.
Can I use instant couscous?
Yes, instant couscous works fine and takes about 5 minutes. For the best texture, steam it twice: once to hydrate, then fluff and steam again briefly.
Nutrition per serving
Estimated values based on standard ingredients.
Nutrition info is provided as a general guide. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.
