The good news is that the Couscous with Beef and Vegetables that I’d been planning to make for Egypt Week contains turnips, which serendipitously came in our CSA box this week. The bad news is that when I googled couscous for more information, I discovered that this dish is actually popular in the Maghreb, which is the area of North Africa west of Egypt. Nuts.

In the spirit of Live and Learn, here’s our recipe for Couscous with Beef and Vegetables. I’m happy to report that everyone here liked it, which is quite miraculous. It tastes even better if you play Putumayo’s Arabic Groove in the background.

Couscous with Beef and Vegetables
{ modified from whats4eats }

Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter or oil
1 pound beef for stewing (optional)
onion, chopped
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
2 cups tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
4 carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch chunks
2 turnips, peeled and chopped into 1-inch chunks
1 potato, peeled and chopped into 1-inch chunks
1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained
1 16-ounce package couscous (I used 2 cups of unprepared couscous)
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Heat the butter or oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the meat, then set aside. Add the onions and sauté until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the ginger, cumin, coriander, and turmeric and sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes.

Stir in the tomatoes, meat, and 2 cups of water and simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes to reduce the liquid a little. Then stir in the carrots, turnips, and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes.

Add the chickpeas, salt, and pepper and continue to simmer until the vegetables are softened, 30–40 minutes.

Prepare the couscous according to the package directions. When you’re ready to serve, pile the couscous in a large serving dish. Using a slotted spoon, arrange the vegetables and beef around the couscous. Pour the juices around the dish and serve immediately.