Couscous Royale

Sweet onions

Cut the onions finely in a large frying pan in a mixture of two tablespoons of oil and 2 tablespoons of butter, let them cook over a low heat for 3 hours while stirring often so it won't stick to the bottom, after this time the onions will be a caramelized and reduced to less than half, now add the raisins, cinnamon and honey and leave until they turn dark brown, about 20 minutes. Reserve! (Note this recipe for onion compote is serve in the table among the couscous, this is a special family recipe, brings out the flavors of the meats and vegetables).

Couscous

In a large bowl add one cup of boiling water for two cups of dry couscous, add two tablespoons of butter and salt to taste. Cover with cling plastic film paper and let that cook for 5 minutes. After that, un cover the couscous and with the help of a fork, divide the semolina grains, taste it and rectify the salt if needed. Reserve.

Take a heavy bottom pot, add the oil, let it heat and then add ¾ of the onions, garlic, saffron, paprika, salt, pepper, cumin, cinnamon, let it cook and then add the beef, brown a little and then add 4 cups of water, cover, let that simmer for 20 minutes. Add the tomatoes, carrots and chickpeas, let that simmer for 15 minutes. Un cover and add finally the turnips and zucchini and tomato paste. Rectify salt and pepper to taste, let it simmer again for the last 15 minutes. Apart in a frying pan, brown the chicken in some oil, add the rest of onions, garlic, saffron, paprika, salt, pepper, cumin, cinnamon, let that cook for 20 minutes covered. Reserve.

In a large serving plate (round) put the couscous and make a well in the middle. On the well put the short ribs (at this point bones should fall out, you will only serve the meat) and the chicken, top over with the vegetables in circular order and then finish off with the chickpeas. On two separate bowls, you will divide the cooking broth, at this point should be very fragrant and deep red with the rest of the chickpeas and vegetables, to one of the bowls you will add as much Harissa (Moroccan spicy tomato paste) as you like.