Moroccan inspired lamb with herby couscous

Moroccan-Inspired Lamb with Spiced Couscous

A hearty, fragrant dish that transforms leftover lamb into a warming, flavor-packed meal. Perfect for a midweek dinner or an easy dinner-party centerpiece.

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Lamb Stew:

1 medium onion, finely diced

3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks

300g cooked or leftover lamb, roughly chopped

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp chilli flakes (adjust to taste)

1 tbsp tomato purée

1 tin (400g) chopped tomatoes

600ml water

2 tbsp sultanas

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Spiced Couscous:

200g couscous

½ tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp garlic granules

1 tsp chicken stock powder

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp tomato purée

Hot water (as per couscous packet instructions)

A handful of fresh parsley and coriander, finely chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste

Make the Lamb Stew

1. Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil and sauté the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until softened.

2. Add the carrots and cook for another 3 minutes.

3. Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and chilli flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add the tomato purée and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

5. Pour in the chopped tomatoes, 600ml water, and sultanas. Stir well.

6. Add the cooked lamb. Season with salt and pepper, then bring to a gentle simmer.

7. Cook for 20 minutes, uncovered, until the sauce thickens and the carrots are tender.

Prepare the Spiced Couscous

1. Place the couscous in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the smoked paprika, garlic granules, chicken stock powder, olive oil, and tomato purée. Mix well.

2. Pour over enough hot water to just cover the couscous. Cover tightly with cling film and microwave for 2½ minutes.

3. Fluff the couscous with a fork, then stir through the chopped parsley and coriander. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

To Serve

Spoon the lamb stew generously over the spiced couscous. Garnish with extra herbs if you like, and maybe a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Tips & Variations

Make it vegetarian: Swap lamb for chickpeas and add extra veg like courgette or aubergine.

Add crunch: Sprinkle with toasted almonds or pine nuts before serving.

Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days— great for meal prep!