Here's a traditional Moroccan Couscous recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups couscous
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups water (or more if needed)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for sweetness)
• 1/2 cup raisins or sultanas (optional)
• 1/2 cup almonds, toasted (optional)

For the Vegetable or Meat Stew (optional):

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 pumpkin or squash, cubed (optional)
• 1 can of chickpeas (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
• 4 cups water or broth

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the couscous

1. Steam the couscous:

   • Place the couscous in a large bowl.
   • Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, then pour it over the couscous.
   • Add 1 teaspoon salt and 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter to the couscous. Stir to combine.
   • Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it steam for about 10 minutes.
   • After 10 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.

2. Steam the couscous a second time (optional for fluffier couscous):

   • If you prefer even fluffier couscous, place it in a traditional couscoussière (a double-steamer), or steam it again by placing the couscous in a colander over a pot of simmering water for another 10-15 minutes, fluffing it with a fork once more.

3. Optional garnish:

   • For a sweeter version, add raisins or sultanas and toasted almonds to the couscous, mixing gently.

Step 2: Prepare the vegetable or meat stew (optional)

1. Cook the vegetables:

   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft.
   • Add the sliced carrots, zucchini, potato, and pumpkin. Stir and cook for a few minutes.

2. Add the spices:

   • Sprinkle in the cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, and ginger. Stir to coat the vegetables with the spices.

3. Add water or broth:

   • Pour in the water or broth and bring it to a boil.
   • Cover and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have blended.
   • Add canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed) to the stew for added protein, if desired.

4. Garnish the stew:

   • Before serving, sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley over the stew for extra freshness.

Step 3: Serve

• To serve, place the cooked couscous on a large platter.
• Spoon the vegetable or meat stew over the couscous.
• Garnish with additional almonds or raisins, if desired.

Tips:

• For a meat version: You can add lamb or chicken to the stew. Brown the meat first in the pot before adding the vegetables and spices.
• Customize: Feel free to use your favorite vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, turnips) or adjust the spices to your taste.
• Vegetarian option: This recipe works great with just vegetables and chickpeas for a vegetarian couscous.

Enjoy your delicious and authentic Moroccan couscous!