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The Recipe · No.822 · Couscous Royale

Couscous Royale, and where to source it

Couscous Royale — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Couscous Royale Moroccan 5best2buy.com

Steam the couscous in stages, fluffing and re-steaming, so it comes out light and separate instead of a heavy clump. The broth from the meat-and-vegetable stew is what you moisten it with, and harissa goes on the side for heat.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep30 min
Cook1 hr 30 min
Makes6 servings
CuisineMoroccan
Cost$$$
Dairy-free
Contains  gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
Couscous
Semolina, steamed in stages for a light, separate grain. Local.
1 lb
Local / market
Lamb shoulder
Cut in chunks to braise tender in the stew. Pasture-raised lamb has real flavor.
1 lb
Chicken
Bone-in pieces braised alongside the lamb. A pasture-raised bird is best.
4 pieces
Root vegetables
Carrots, turnip, and zucchini simmered soft in the broth. Fresh, bought local.
5 cups
Chickpeas and ras el hanout
Chickpeas for body and the spice blend for the backbone.
to taste

Using lamb shoulder? It behaves the way it does for a reason — what this cut is for and how to cook it →

The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Brown the meatBrown the lamb and chicken with the ras el hanout.
  2. Simmer the stewAdd water, chickpeas, and the vegetables and simmer until everything is tender.
  3. Steam the couscousSteam the couscous, fluff with butter, and steam again two or three times until light.
  4. ServePile the couscous, top with the meat and vegetables, and moisten with the broth. Harissa on the side.
The Toolkit

Couscoussier · Dutch oven · Fork

Straight Answers
Can you make Couscous Royale in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Couscous Royale? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Couscous Royale ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Couscous Royale gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).

Is Couscous Royale vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.822

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