Moroccan Spiced Mince with Couscous Recipe

Introduction

This Moroccan spiced mince with couscous is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal perfect for a cozy dinner. Using Quorn mince and warm spices, it brings vibrant North African tastes to your plate in no time.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp sunflower oil
• 2 medium onions, roughly chopped
• 350g pack Quorn mince
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp ground turmeric
• 100g ready-to-eat dried apricots, quartered
• 600ml vegetable stock
• 280g couscous
• Grated zest of 2 lemons
• 4 tbsp chopped fresh mint
• 50g unsalted cashews, toasted under the grill

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the sunflower oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the roughly chopped onions and cook gently for about 5 minutes until they soften and become translucent.
2. Step 2: Stir in the Quorn mince along with the ground cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric. Unlike traditional meat, Quorn doesn’t require browning, so just mix the spices well into the mince.
3. Step 3: Add the quartered dried apricots and pour in the vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Step 4: While the mince cooks, prepare the couscous according to the packet instructions, usually by soaking it in about 450ml of boiling water until fluffy.
5. Step 5: Once the couscous is ready, fluff it up with a fork and stir in the lemon zest and chopped fresh mint. Season to taste with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Step 6: To serve, spoon the couscous onto plates, top with the Moroccan spiced Quorn mixture, and scatter toasted cashews over the dish for added crunch and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For added heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes with the spices. You can also swap Quorn mince for your favorite plant-based mince or ground meat for a different protein option.
• Try adding some chopped dried cherries or raisins for a sweeter twist alongside the apricots.
• Toast the cashews lightly in a dry pan if you prefer more control over the toasting process rather than under the grill.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or stock to keep the couscous fluffy and the mince moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular ground meat instead of Quorn mince?

Yes, you can substitute Quorn mince with ground beef, lamb, or turkey. Brown the meat before adding the spices to enhance flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

This recipe is vegetarian as is, using Quorn mince, but not all Quorn products are vegan. Check the packaging to ensure your Quorn is vegan-friendly or use a plant-based mince alternative to make it fully vegan.

Moroccan Spiced Mince with Couscous Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 92 reviews

A delicious and aromatic Moroccan spiced mince made with Quorn mince, infused with warming spices and sweet dried apricots, perfectly served over fluffy lemon and mint couscous and topped with toasted cashews for a delightful crunch.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Moroccan
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Spiced Mince

• 2 tbsp sunflower oil
• 2 medium onions, roughly chopped
• 350g pack Quorn mince
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp ground turmeric
• 100g ready-to-eat dried apricots, quartered
• 600ml vegetable stock

Couscous

• 280g couscous
• grated zest of 2 lemons
• 4 tbsp chopped fresh mint

Toppings

• 50g unsalted cashews, toasted under the grill

Instructions

1. Cook the onions: Heat the sunflower oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the roughly chopped onions and cook gently for about 5 minutes until they soften and become translucent.
2. Add Quorn and spices: Stir in the Quorn mince along with ground cumin, ground cinnamon, and ground turmeric. Since Quorn doesn’t require browning, simply mix everything together thoroughly.
3. Incorporate apricots and stock: Add the quartered dried apricots and pour in the vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until the flavors blend and the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Prepare the couscous: While the spiced mince is cooking, prepare the couscous according to the packet instructions, using approximately 450ml boiling water to achieve a fluffy texture.
5. Flavor the couscous: Once the couscous is cooked, fluff it with a fork and gently stir in the grated zest of 2 lemons and the chopped fresh mint. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Toast the cashews: Toast the unsalted cashews under the grill until they turn golden and fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
7. Serve: Spoon the flavored couscous onto serving plates. Pile the Moroccan spiced Quorn mince on top, then scatter the toasted cashews over the dish just before serving for an added crunch.

Notes

• Quorn mince is used here as a meat substitute and does not require browning like traditional meat.
• Adjust the amount of vegetable stock to your desired consistency for the spiced mince.
• You can substitute dried apricots with other dried fruits such as raisins or chopped dates if preferred.
• For a nuttier flavor, you can replace cashews with toasted almonds or pistachios.
• This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: Moroccan spiced mince, Quorn mince, couscous, dried apricots, cashews, lemon zest, fresh mint, vegetarian main, North African cuisine