Recipe

Method

1. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Peel and mince the garlic. Roughly chop the dates, prunes and almonds. Pick the cilantro leaves off the stems. Peel and medium dice the carrot. Peel and dice the onion.

2. Heat 1 cup of water and a big pinch of salt to boiling on high. Once the water is boiling, stir in the couscous and turn off the heat. Cover the pot and let stand for 5 to 7 minutes, or until all of the water is absorbed. Fluff the finished couscous with a fork.

3. While the couscous is cooking, toast the nuts. Add the almonds to a dry pan. Heat the pan on high for 1 to 3 minutes, or until the almonds are fragrant, stirring occasionally. Transfer the toasted almonds to a small bowl.

4. In a medium pot, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium until hot. Add thecarrot, onion and garlic. Cook 4 to 5 minutes, or until the carrots and onion are softened; season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Increase the heat to high and add the ground beef to the carrot-onion-garlic mixture, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook 4 to 6 minutes, breaking apart with a spoon until the beef is completely browned.

6. Reduce the heat to medium-high. Add the ras el hanout spice blend; cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until toasted. Add the tomato paste; cook 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until caramelized. Stir in the dates, prunes, cinnamon stick, honey, beef demi-glace and 2 cups of water; season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

7. Remove from heat and discard the cinnamon stick. To plate your dish, divide the couscous between 2 dishes and top with the beef stew.

Garnish with the chopped cilantro and almonds.