Couscous Royal

Ingredients

• 350 g Lamb Shoulder
• 180 g Medium Couscous
• 150 g Chickpeas
• 1 pcs Onion
• 1 pcs Tomato
• 2 pcs Carrot
• 1 pcs Turnip
• 1 pcs Potato
• 1 pcs Zucchini
• 200 g Pumpkin
• 150 g Green Cabbage
• 2 tbsp Parsley
• 2 tbsp Cilantro
• 3 pcs Garlic
• 1 tsp Ginger
• 1 tsp Turmeric
• 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
• 0.25 tsp Saffron
• 3 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1.5 tbsp Kosher Salt
• 1.02 l Water
• 2 tbsp Toasted Almonds
• 1 pcs Lemon
• 1 tbsp Smen

Method

1. Warm {water} in a small bowl, add {saffron}, and let it steep until deeply golden and aromatic.
2. Pat {lamb_shoulder} dry so it sears well. Heat {olive_oil} in a heavy pot over medium heat, brown {lamb_shoulder} without crowding, season with {kosher_salt} and {black_pepper}, then add {onion} and cook until soft and lightly golden.
3. Add {tomato}, {garlic}, {ginger}, and {turmeric} to the pot over medium heat. Cook until fragrant and the {tomato} breaks down, then pour in the saffron {water}, add {chickpeas}, season again with {kosher_salt}, and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Rub {medium_couscous} with a little {olive_oil} and salted {water} to loosen the grains, then steam it over the simmering broth until the grains swell and smell wheaty.
5. Keep the pot at a low simmer and braise {lamb_shoulder} and {chickpeas} until the meat begins to tenderize and the broth tastes rounded and savory.
6. Add {carrot}, {turnip}, and {potato} first, season with {kosher_salt}, and simmer until beginning to soften. Add {zucchini}, {pumpkin}, and {green_cabbage}, season lightly again, and cook until all the vegetables are tender but still hold their shape.
7. Turn {medium_couscous} into a bowl, fluff to release steam, moisten with a little salted {water}, then return it to the steamer for a second steaming until light and separate.
8. Fluff {medium_couscous} once more and fold in {smen}, {parsley}, and {cilantro} so the grains stay airy and fragrant.
9. Taste the broth and adjust with {kosher_salt}. Stir in a little {parsley} and {cilantro}, then squeeze in {lemon} to brighten the rich broth without overpowering it.
10. Mound {medium_couscous} onto a warm platter, arrange {lamb_shoulder}, {chickpeas}, and the vegetables over it, spoon over broth, and finish with {toasted_almonds} for crunch.