Berkoukes Pearl Couscous

Ingredients

What you’ll need

• 1 lb/450 g lamb or beef cubes, optional
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 8 cups/1.9 L water or stock
• 1 1/2 cups/250 g cooked chickpeas
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 turnip, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 2 cups/340 g berkoukes or moghrabieh-size semolina pearls
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Method

How it comes together

1. 1

   Brown meat in oil if using. Add onion, celery, garlic, tomato paste, and spices and cook 5 minutes.

2. 2

   Add water, chickpeas, carrots, and turnip. Simmer until meat is nearly tender, about 60 minutes.

3. 3

   Add zucchini and berkoukes. Simmer, stirring frequently, until pearls are tender, 15-25 minutes; add hot water if the stew becomes too thick.

4. 4

   Stir in cilantro and adjust seasoning.