Main Course · Dinner · Mediterranean · Middle Eastern ·

Rich Moroccan Lamb Couscous with Apricots and Almonds

Name: Rich Moroccan Lamb Couscous with Apricots and Almonds
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 240 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1.5 kg lamb shoulder, cut into chunks; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup dried apricots, chopped; 1/2 cup slivered almonds; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 cups couscous; 2 cups boiling water; 1 tablespoon butter; Salt, to taste

This Moroccan lamb couscous incorporates sweet apricots and crunchy almonds to create a hearty and flavorful main course.

4.9(536 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·September 4, 2025

Rich Moroccan Lamb Couscous with Apricots and Almonds — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

1 h

Cook

3 h

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Marinade

For the Lamb

For the Couscous

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 925 kcal
Protein: 51.9 g
Carbs: 49 g
Fat: 57.5 g
Fiber: 5.3 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 5550 kcal
Protein: 311.7 g
Carbs: 294.2 g
Fat: 344.7 g
Fiber: 31.6 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
3 tablespoons olive oil	360	0	0	40.5	0
2 teaspoons ground cumin	16	0.8	1.8	0.9	0.8
2 teaspoons ground coriander	10	0.4	1.8	0.3	0.8
1 teaspoon cinnamon	6	0.1	2.1	0	1
3 cloves garlic, minced	13	0.6	3	0	0.2
2 tablespoons lemon juice	8	0.1	2.8	0	0.1
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
1.5 kg lamb shoulder, cut into chunks	3360	265.5	0	258	0
1 large onion, finely chopped	44	1.2	10	0.1	1.9
2 cups chicken broth	30	3	2	1	0
1 cup dried apricots, chopped	313	3.9	81	0.4	9.5
1/2 cup slivered almonds	340	12	12	30	7
2 tablespoons honey	128	0.1	34.5	0	0.1
2 cups couscous	720	24	144	2	10
2 cups boiling water	0	0	0	0	0
1 tablespoon butter	102	0.1	0	11.5	0
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Lamb

1
Combine ingredients
In a large bowl, mix olive oil, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2
Marinate the lamb
Add lamb to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Tip: Let the lamb marinade overnight for a deeper flavor.
3
Rest the lamb
Take the lamb out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
Tip: Make sure the lamb is at room temperature before cooking to ensure even doneness.

Preparing the Couscous

1
Place couscous
Place couscous in a large bowl.
2
Add water
Pour boiling water over the couscous, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes.
3
Fluff and season
Fluff with a fork and stir in butter and salt.
Tip: Toast the slivered almonds for extra crunch and flavor.

How to Make Rich Moroccan Lamb Couscous with Apricots and Almonds

Total time: 4 h · Yields 6 servings

1
Brown the Lamb
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the lamb pieces in batches.
2
Sauté the Onion
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until translucent.
3
Simmer the Stew
Return lamb to the pot, add chicken broth, apricots, almonds, and honey, then simmer gently for 2 hours.