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1
Place lamb in a deep kettle (preferably one with a steamer attachment on top).
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2
Add onions, rutabaga and fennel.
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3
Season with salt, and add 4 quarts cold water (it should cover the ingredients), black pepper and ginger.
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4
Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
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5
Meanwhile, place couscous in a large bowl, and cover with cold water.
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6
Mix thoroughly with your hands to break up lumps.
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7
Transfer couscous to a steamer attachment with fine holes (if you do not have one, try a colander), and drain the couscous into a separate bowl.
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8
Then, transfer couscous to the original large mixing bowl, and let sit 15 minutes.
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9
Break up the couscous again with your hands, and return it to the steamer or colander.
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10
Place the steamer over the simmering lamb and vegetables.
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11
Cover and let steam for about 15 minutes.
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12
Return couscous to a large bowl and, when it is cool, grease your hands with the olive oil and mix the grains thoroughly, breaking up any lumps.
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13
Do this several times, adding more oil.
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14
Return couscous to steamer, and place over simmering meat and vegetable liquid, covered.
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15
When meat has cooked for 45 minutes, add carrots, raisins, chickpeas and merguez.
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16
Taste broth for seasoning.
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17
Add more pepper if necessary (withhold salt until the end).
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18
Simmer for another 20 minutes.
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19
(At this point the stew may be set aside to cool, scraped of any surface fat, and reheated before serving.
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20
Place couscous in a large bowl and cover with a damp towel.)
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21
When ready for final cooking, place stew over a medium-low flame.
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22
Place a couscous-filled steamer on top, covered.
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23
Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
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24
Taste for seasonings before serving.
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25
Place a mound of couscous on a warm plate.
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26
Cover with meat, vegetables and broth.
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27
Serve with hot sauce, like Tabasco, on the side.