Looking for a wholesome, family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with nutrition? Moroccan Lamb with Couscous is a warm and comforting dish that brings a taste of North Africa to your table. Featuring tender lamb, a colourful medley of vegetables, and fluffy couscous, this meal is a delicious way to introduce new flavours to your little ones while ensuring they get plenty of essential nutrients.
This version of the recipe is designed to be mild and kid-friendly, but for those who love a bit more depth, we’ve included an optional spice blend to enhance the traditional Moroccan flavours. Whether you're preparing a cozy family dinner or looking for a nutritious meal to batch cook, this dish is sure to become a household favourite!
Moroccan Lamb with Couscous
Serves: 4-6
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1–1 ½ hours
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 650g lamb, diced
- 1 tbsp oil (sunflower, canola, or olive)
- ½ medium onion (120g), chopped
- 400g can of mixed beans
- 2½ cups couscous
- Fresh coriander or parsley, chopped (optional, for serving)
Vegetables:
- 250g pumpkin, cut into chunks
- 1 stalk of celery, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1–2 medium carrots, diced or sliced
- ½ medium red capsicum, chopped
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
Optional Spice Blend (for added flavour):
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Method
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the lamb in batches and brown it on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, cook the chopped onion until soft. If using the optional spice blend, add it now and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the browned lamb back to the pan along with the celery, carrots, pumpkin, and capsicum. Stir well.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 1 to 1½ hours, or until the meat is tender.
- Add the zucchini in the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Meanwhile, prepare the couscous according to the packet instructions.
- Serve the lamb stew over couscous, garnished with fresh coriander or parsley (optional).
Why This Recipe is Great for Kids and the Whole Family
Finding a meal that satisfies both kids and adults can be a challenge, but Moroccan Lamb with Couscous ticks all the boxes! It’s packed with essential nutrients that support growth, energy levels, and overall wellbeing.
- Protein for growth: Lamb is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle development and keeping kids full and satisfied.
- Vegetable-packed goodness: With pumpkin, zucchini, carrots, capsicum, and tomatoes, this dish provides a variety of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A for eye health and Vitamin C for immunity.
- Fibre for digestion: The mix of vegetables and beans provides a great source of fibre, aiding digestion and promoting gut health for both little ones and adults.
- Iron for energy: Lamb is naturally rich in iron, which helps prevent fatigue and supports brain development in growing children.
- Couscous – a mild and versatile grain: This light and fluffy grain is easy for little hands to eat and provides a good source of carbohydrates for sustained energy throughout the day.
- Mild and kid-friendly flavours: The gentle warmth of cinnamon, cumin, and paprika (if using) adds depth without overwhelming young palates, making it an excellent way to introduce new flavours to kids.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: The lamb stew (without the couscous) can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove before serving.
- Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze portions for quick and easy midweek meals.
Make Mealtimes Easy and Nutritious!
At Milestones, we’re passionate about providing nutritious, balanced meals that kids love. Explore our seasonal menus to find more wholesome recipes that make mealtime both easy and enjoyable for your family!
Discover what else is on the menu at Milestones.
Recipe: FeedAustralia.