Couscous Royal

Name: Couscous Royal
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients: 500g lamb shoulder, cut into chunks; 4 chicken legs; 4 merguez sausages; 500g couscous (medium grain); 2 onions, sliced; 3 carrots, halved; 2 courgettes, halved; 4 tomatoes, grated; 1/2 head cabbage, quartered; 4 turnips, halved; 1 can chickpeas, drained; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon ginger; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads; 1/2 teaspoon ras el hanout; Salt and black pepper to taste; Butter for the couscous; Fresh cilantro and parsley

Published: July 2, 2026 | Moroccan Cuisine | ⏱ 2h 0min

Magnificent couscous royal with lamb, chicken, merguez, and vegetables

Couscous royal is the grandest of all Moroccan couscous dishes — a majestic platter of fluffy steamed couscous topped with tender lamb, chicken, spicy merguez sausages, and an array of colourful vegetables. This is the dish served at weddings, family gatherings, and celebrations across the Maghreb.

Recipe Info

Prep Time30 min

Cook Time1h 30min

Total Time2h 0min

Servings8

DifficultyHard

CuisineMoroccan

A couscoussier is ideal but a large pot with a steamer basket works well too.
Steam the couscous twice for the fluffiest texture, rubbing with butter between steamings.
The broth served on the side is meant to be spooned over the couscous at the table.

Nutrition Information

Calories	650 kcal
Protein	42g
Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	52g
Fiber	8g
Sugar	10g
Sodium	720mg

* Nutritional values are approximate and based on per-serving calculations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Medium-grain couscous is traditional. Do not use instant couscous for this dish as it will not have the right texture.

Yes. Omit the meat and use a generous amount of vegetables and chickpeas. Use a vegetable broth seasoned with the same spices.

Rating

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4.6 (125 votes)

About the Author

Stephanie Grine

Recipe Developer & Food Enthusiast

I am a passionate home cook who believes that great food brings people together. Every recipe on TodayFoodsMenu is developed, tested, and photographed in my home kitchen — not a professional test...

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