Spiced Minced Meat Couscous

It is exactly one month after my vacation and life has fallen back into a routine. We were planning for quite sometime to go somewhere nearby and this weekend, we got the chance. Where we went, what we did comes in another post. After returning home, I was extremely tired, my legs were paining and I hated going into the kitchen. But, this stupid stomach badly needed something and refused to let me just sleep off.

Now, my husband offered to prepare something quick and I was more than glad. What he did was magic !! How can I just let go of this wonderful dish, without writing about it? He usually does not stick to any recipe, neither is he a man of measurements. He did something of his own, but I keenly noted what he did. Instead of me explaining you how it tasted, it would be great if you try this and let me know your comments :-)

Here, you go...

Preparation Time: 30 Mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

Minced Meat (Lamb) – 300 g
Couscous – 250 g
Onion – 1 large, sliced thinly
Garlic – 3 – 4 pods, crushed
Olive oil – 3 Tbsp
Butter – 20 g
Coriander Powder – 3 tsp
Turmeric – a pinch
Cumin Seeds – 1 tsp
Cilantro and Mint leaves – a handful, chopped
Roasted Pistachios – chopped coarsely
Lemon Juice – from ½ lemon
Salt – to taste
Pepper – to taste


Method:

Prepare Couscous: Take the couscous in a large sized bowl. Add required salt and the butter to it. Add about 300 ml of boiling water to this. Cover and stand about 5 mins or until the liquid is absorbed. When done, fluff with a fork.

Prepare the meat: Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the cumin seeds and the thinly sized onion and sauté for a few minutes, until onion is transparent. Add the crushed garlic and sauté until slightly browned. Now, add the meat, turmeric, coriander powder and salt. Stir cook the meat until it is cooked and slightly roasted.

Now, add the lemon juice and the chopped cilantro and mint leaves. Sprinkle freshly ground pepper and stir for a minute.

Finally, toss in the couscous and mix it with the meat. Leave it covered for a minute or two. Garnish with crushed pistachios and cilantro leaves. Serve Hot.

Tipp: This goes excellent with Tzaziki or just yoghurt.