Description
Ground lamb with Moroccan spices — cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne — is one of those combinations that smells so good while cooking that people will wander into your kitchen uninvited. Served over couscous with roasted chickpeas, pickled onion, and a mint yogurt sauce, it is a bowl that feels exotic without being fussy.
Ingredients
Units
- 1 1/4 lbs ground lamb
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups couscous
- 1 3/4 cups boiling water
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup pickled red onion
- 1/4 cup dried apricots, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Place couscous in a bowl, pour boiling water over it, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground lamb and cook, breaking into crumbles, until browned, about 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, cayenne, and salt. Stir and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, stir together yogurt, mint, and lemon juice for the sauce.
- Divide the couscous among 4 bowls. Top with the spiced lamb, chickpeas, pickled red onion, and diced apricots.
- Drizzle with mint yogurt sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Ground lamb has more fat than beef, so drain the excess after browning to keep the bowl from being greasy.
- The dried apricots are not just decoration — their sweetness against the warm spices and tangy yogurt is a signature Moroccan flavor pairing.
- Couscous takes five minutes and absorbs flavors beautifully. It is the fastest grain option and ideal for weeknight bowls.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 720
- Fat: 26
- Carbohydrates: 46
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 34
- Cholesterol: 85