Moroccan Bean & Couscous Stew

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients

   5 min hands-on

   • Thinly slice onions and garlic.
   • Finely chop ginger and cilantro leaves, reserving a few leaves for garnish.
   • Juice the lemons and set aside.

2. Start the Base

   1 min hands-on

   • Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add cinnamon and stir for about 1 minute until aromatic.

3. Cook Aromatics

   3 min hands-on11 min waiting

   • Add sliced onions and sauté for 8–10 minutes until softened and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
   • Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Build Spice Layer

   2 min hands-on2 min waiting

   • Sprinkle in paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon, stirring to coat onions evenly.
   • Add tomato sauce and cook for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.

5. Incorporate Liquids and Tomatoes

   2 min hands-on1 min waiting

   • Pour in vegetable broth and stir to deglaze the pan.
   • Add chopped fresh tomatoes and bring to a gentle simmer.

6. Cook Soybeans

   1 min hands-on18 min waiting

   • Add green soybeans and lower heat to maintain a soft simmer.
   • Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes until soybeans are tender.

7. Add Beans

   2 min hands-on6 min waiting

   • Rinse and drain pinto beans and chickpeas.
   • Stir into the pot and simmer for 5–7 minutes until heated through.

8. Season and Adjust

   1 min hands-on

   • Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

9. Prepare Couscous

   2 min hands-on5 min waiting

   • Prepare couscous according to package instructions.
   • Fluff with a fork and set aside.

10. Toast Almonds

    3 min hands-on

    • Toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until golden brown.

11. Assemble and Garnish

    3 min hands-on

    • Spoon cooked couscous into bowls.
    • Ladle spiced bean stew on top.
    • Garnish with reserved cilantro leaves and toasted almonds.
    • Cooking tips:
    • For a smoother texture, mash a portion of the cooked beans before serving.
    • Add a pinch of red chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicier dish.
    • Maintain a gentle simmer to prevent beans from breaking apart.
    • Add a splash of vegetable broth or water if the stew becomes too thick.