Algerian Couscous

And now we're on to Algeria. I unfortunately didn't think to take a great picture before I started eating (if you're really really really curious--and also want to see the source of this dish, see here).

This was a pretty tasty dish, (to be fair--I was also starving), really easy, and for those who have silly dietary limitations, it's vegetarian. I accidentally left out the Garbanzo Beans--but I'm sure they'd make it even more delicious.

Anyways--I enjoyed it and Gorby got to lick my bowl--and he seemed to enjoy it too.






Ingredients:

1 large onion, chopped

1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 cup vegetable stock
1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons tomato paste

3 -4 whole cloves
3 medium zucchini
4 small yellow squash
3/4 large carrot
4 medium yellow potatoes, skins on
1 red bell pepper
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans

1/2 cup of Couscous
boiling water to cover Couscous

 Directions:

1) Saute onion in vegetable stock over med. low heat until translucent.

2) Add all spices and cook for a few more minutes, stirring as needed.

3) Add tomato paste, stir and simmer 2 minutes.

4) Cut the vegetables in large chunks and add all (not the beans) and a dash of cinnamon; add water to cover.

5) Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for an hour or so. (This can cook slowly for 2-3 hours, if desired.).

6) Add the drained garbanzos about 5 minutes before you take the veggies off the heat.

7) Put couscous in a bowl.
8)Pour boiling water over couscous and wait about 5 minutes.

9) Fluff with fork. (Ratio of about 1 1/2:1 of water to couscous.).

10) For added flavor, add some of the liquid from the veggie stew to the couscous in place of some of the water.

 You were probably thinking...but wait! Why didn't you do Albania! Well, that's because I apparently can't read. So...yeah...Albania is next. There a number of national dishes in Albania--but the only one that appears to lack a lot of organ meats is Tave Kosi...so Tave Kosi it is! High five Gorby!