| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 310 | 5g | 0.7g | 51g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 4g | 20g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Egyptian Seafood Couscous with Spices
Just as diving into the enigmatic depth of the sea can open up new treasures, so can venturing into exotic culinary territories. That’s where the joy of cooking truly lies. On my gastronomic exploration, I happened to discover this delightful Egyptian recipe, bordering the Mediterranean called Seafood Couscous with Spices. It’s a richly flavored dish that combines the comforting warmth of hearty grains with the succulent bounty of the sea.
A Taste of the Mediterranean
Upon first hearing about it, I was intrigued by the amalgamation of land, sea, and earthy spices that create a symphony of tastes and textures. I’ve always been drawn to seafood, growing up on the coasts of Maine and experimenting with seafood dishes almost my entire life. This recipe, however, is a delicious departure from my usual repertoire of New England dishes. The rich taste of olive oil enveloped in a warm blend of cumin, paprika, and turmeric adds a dash of the unexpected to familiar ingredients in my kitchen.
Inspiration behind the Recipe
I would be remiss to not mention the contribution of Cairo-born celebrity chef Omar Allibhoy whose mastery of Mediterranean cuisine served as an inspiration for me while creating this dish. His ingenious approach to seafood and spices reminded me of how joyously different the same ingredients can taste just by touching them with a new twist. Once you taste this flavorful Seafood Couscous with Spices, you’ll understand why I’ve been raving about this dish.
Pairings and Variations
The adaptability of this recipe is also one of its strengths. If you’re a fan of Moroccan cuisine, you’ll find similarities between this dish and the traditional Moroccan couscous. With a few tweaks, you can even transform it into a satisfying paella – simply replace the couscous with Arborio rice. If you prefer a tangier taste, serve it alongside a citrusy salad and garnish it with extra lemon zest. No matter how you choose to serve it, the bold flavors of this dish are sure to inspire a love affair with Mediterranean cuisine.
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups of whole grain couscous
- 3 cups of seafood broth
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of cumin
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1lb of mixed seafood (such as prawns, mussels and squid)
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Method
Step One
Start by bringing the seafood broth to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, stir in the couscous, cover the pot, and remove it from the heat. Allow the couscous to absorb the broth for about 5-7 minutes.
Step Two
While the couscous is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until they become translucent and aromatic. This should take about 5 minutes.
Step Three
Next, stir in the cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and ground ginger. Continue cooking the spice mixture for another 2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and fully release their flavors.
Step Four
Add the mixed seafood to the skillet, stirring continuously until it is thoroughly cooked. This should take about 5-8 minutes depending on the types of seafood used. Season the seafood with salt and pepper to taste during the cooking process.
Step Five
Fluff the cooked couscous with a fork and stir in the seafood mixture. Add the zest and juice of one lemon, and give it a good mix until everything is well combined.
Step Six
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the Seafood Couscous with Spices immediately, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish!
