Couscous Tfaya aux Sept Légumes (Fez Couscous with Caramelized Cinnamon Onions & Chickpeas) – Authentic Morocco Recipe

Friday Moroccan family feast topping seven garden vegetables with sweet, spiced tfaya onions and chickpeas.

Country of Origin
🇲🇦 Morocco (North Africa, Africa)
Dietary Profile
vegan
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Difficulty
Medium
Signature Staples
Fluffy steamed semolina couscous, Turnips, Carrots, Moroccan ras el hanout, Saffron

Ingredients for Couscous Tfaya aux Sept Légumes (Fez Couscous with Caramelized Cinnamon Onions & Chickpeas) (4 Servings)

  • 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) fluffy steamed semolina couscous, prepped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1.5 cups turnips, washed and trimmed
  • 1 cup carrots
  • 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with Moroccan ras el hanout
  • 1.5 tbsp traditional Morocco seasoning (saffron, cinnamon, ginger, cold-pressed olive oil)
  • 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet over medium heat; sauté the onion, garlic, and Moroccan ras el hanout until golden.
  2. Add saffron, cinnamon, ginger, cold-pressed olive oil along with fluffy steamed semolina couscous and turnips, searing for 4–5 minutes to build savory depth.
  3. Stir in the rinsed grains/rice so every grain is coated in the spiced oil, then pour in warm stock.
  4. Bring to a simmer, cover tightly with a lid, and cook on low heat for 18–20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and tender.
  5. Rest off the heat for 5 minutes, fluff gently with a fork, and garnish with carrots.

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