Beef and Dried Fruit Tagine with Couscous.

Beef and Dried Fruit Tagine with Couscous.

Serves 6.

Equipment:

Tagine pot or deep casserole dish.

Preparation:

In a large bowl, put in,

-1kg stewing beef, cut into 5 cm chunks,with,

-1/2tsp ground cinnamon,

-1/2tsp turmeric powder,

-1/2tsp ground ginger,

-1/2tsp paprika,

-1/2tsp cayenne pepper (adjust according to your taste)

-2tsp harissa paste (adjust according to your taste)

-salt/pepper.

-1tbsp olive oil.

Mix well to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to overnight.

When ready.

In a tagine or casserole pan, fry

-1 sliced onion, with

-2 cloves chopped garlic,

-1tsp whole cumin seeds,

-fresh coriander.

Cook, stirring until the onions have caramelised. Add

-marinaded beef, 

-1/2tsp paprika,

-1/2tsp cayenne pepper (adjust according to your taste)

-1/2 ground cinnamon,

-1/2tsp ground ginger,

-1/2tsp turmeric powder,

-2tsp harissa paste,

-chopped chillies (optional).

-salt/pepper.

Cook, stirring to coat the beef in the spices. Add

-3 tomatoes, quartered.

-500ml chicken stock,

-2tbsp chopped parsley.

Put the lid on and leave to simmer for 30 minutes. Then add

-50g dried dates,

-100g dried apricots,

-50g sultanas.

Stir. Leave to simmer for 1hr-1:15hrs. Stir from time to time.

You may need to add more liquid. The beef should be flaking when done.

To taste:

-soy sauce.

Couscous.

In a heatproof bowl, put in,

-300g couscous, add

-1/2tsp paprika,

-1tsp harissa paste,

-450ml hot water,

Cover and leave to stand for 10 minutes. Rake with a fork.

Spoon on to a serving plate, sprinkle over chopped pistachio nuts.