Persian Beef and Couscous

Persian Beef and Couscous Recipe - Ingredients and Cooking Instructions

Region / culture: Persia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Persian Beef and Couscous is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines tender beef with sweet prunes, savory onions, and fragrant cinnamon. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold evening or for a special occasion.

History

This recipe has its roots in Persian cuisine, which is known for its use of aromatic spices and dried fruits in savory dishes. The combination of beef, prunes, and cinnamon creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is sure to impress your taste buds.

Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 lb (454 g) boneless beef roast, cut into 0.75 inch chunks
0.5 tsp salt
0.13 tsp pepper
2.25 cups beef stock
1.5 tsp cinnamon
8 oz (227 g) white pearl onions, peeled
8 oz (227 g) butternut squash or sweet potatoes, cut into 0.5 inch cubes
3 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 cup pitted prunes
0.75 cup couscous (or quick cooking brown rice)
chickpeas, to taste

How to prepare

Heat oil over medium-high heat.
Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper, then brown in the oil for 5–8 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add stock and cinnamon, and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
Stir in onions, squash or sweet potato, vinegar, and honey. Bring back to a boil, then lower heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until the meat and vegetables are tender.
Meanwhile, cook couscous in a separate pot.
Add prunes and chickpeas to the stew, cover, and heat just until the mixture returns to a boil (about 2 minutes).
Serve the stew over couscous.

Variations

Substitute chicken or lamb for the beef for a different flavor profile.
Add dried apricots or raisins for a sweeter twist.
Use quinoa or couscous instead of brown rice for a gluten-free option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the beef before simmering it in the stock to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Be sure to peel the pearl onions before adding them to the stew to ensure a smooth texture.

- Adjust the amount of cinnamon to suit your personal taste preferences.

- Serve the stew over fluffy couscous to soak up all the delicious flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and nutritious meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the beef before simmering it in the stock helps to develop a rich flavor in the stew.

- Simmering the stew slowly over low heat allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or vegetable stock instead of beef stock for a lighter flavor.

- Swap out the sweet potatoes for butternut squash or carrots for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the stew with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a glass of red wine, such as a Shiraz or Merlot, to complement the rich flavors of the stew.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the stew in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 400 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Carbohydrates

This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, with the brown rice and sweet potatoes providing complex carbs that will keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Fats

The vegetable oil used in this recipe adds a small amount of healthy fats to the dish, while the beef provides a moderate amount of saturated fats.

Proteins

The beef in this dish is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue.

Vitamins and minerals

The sweet potatoes in this recipe are rich in vitamins A and C, while the prunes provide a good dose of fiber and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains beef and may not be suitable for those with meat allergies. Please check for any other allergens in the ingredients list.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Persian Beef and Couscous is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With its tender beef, sweet prunes, and fragrant cinnamon, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Persian Beef and Couscous. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother and grandmother. We lived in a small village in Iran, where the scent of spices filled the air and the sound of sizzling pans could be heard from every home.

One day, while wandering through the bustling market, I came across a stall run by an elderly woman with weathered hands and a kind smile. She was selling an array of spices and herbs, and as I browsed through her wares, she began to tell me stories of her travels and the dishes she had learned to make along the way.

One recipe in particular caught my attention - a fragrant and flavorful dish of tender beef and fluffy couscous, seasoned with exotic spices and herbs. The woman explained to me that it was a traditional Persian recipe, passed down through generations in her family.

Intrigued, I begged her to teach me how to make it. She agreed, on one condition - that I promise to share the recipe with others, so that it would not be lost to time.

I eagerly accepted her terms, and that very afternoon, we set to work in her humble kitchen. She guided me through the steps, showing me how to properly season the beef, how to cook the couscous to perfection, and how to blend the spices just right to create a symphony of flavors.

As the dish simmered on the stove, filling the air with its tantalizing aroma, the woman told me stories of her childhood in Iran, of family gatherings and celebrations where this dish was always the star of the table. I listened intently, absorbing every word, determined to carry on this culinary tradition in my own home.

When the dish was finally ready, we sat down to eat together, savoring each bite and reveling in the rich flavors that danced on our tongues. The woman smiled at me, her eyes twinkling with pride, and I knew that I had found not only a new recipe, but a cherished mentor and friend.

From that day on, Persian Beef and Couscous became a staple in my kitchen. I shared the recipe with my mother and grandmother, who added their own touches and flavors to make it their own. Through the years, I continued to pass it on to friends and family, each time adding a little bit of my own story to the dish.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents of cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the woman who first shared this recipe with me. She may be long gone, but her legacy lives on in every pot of Persian Beef and Couscous that simmers on my stove.

And as I take a bite of the tender beef and fluffy couscous, seasoned with love and memories, I am reminded once again of the joy that can be found in a simple recipe shared between friends.