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1
In a very large, enameled cast-iron casserole, melt 3 tablespoons of the butter in the olive oil.
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2
Add the onion and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until just softened, about 5 minutes.
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3
In a small bowl, crumble the saffron into 2 tablespoons of hot water and let stand for at least 10 minutes.
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4
Season the lamb shanks with salt and black pepper and dust with paprika.
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5
Add the lamb shanks to the casserole and cook over moderate heat, turning occasionally, until the shanks are well browned, about 7 minutes.
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6
Stir in the 1 tablespoon of paprika, the cumin and cayenne and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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7
Add the tomatoes and 3 quarts of water and bring to a boil over moderately high heat.
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8
Skim off any fat and add the saffron and its soaking liquid, the parsley bundle and a large pinch of salt.
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9
Reduce the heat to low, cover partially and simmer until the lamb is tender, about 2 hours.
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10
Transfer the lamb shanks to a large plate and cover with foil.
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11
Add the potatoes, celery and carrots to the casserole, cover and simmer over moderate heat until almost tender, about 10 minutes.
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12
Add the red peppers and zucchini and simmer uncovered until all the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes longer.
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13
Remove from the heat and discard the parsley bundle; set aside 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
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14
Stir in the frozen peas.
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15
Remove the meat from the lamb shanks and cut it into 3/4-inch pieces.
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16
Return the meat to the stew.
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17
In a large saucepan, melt the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter.
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18
Add the couscous and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until lightly toasted, about 3 minutes.
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19
Stir in 2 cups of water, the reserved 1 cup of cooking liquid and a large pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
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20
Cover, remove from the heat and let stand until the liquid has been absorbed, about 10 minutes.
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21
Fluff with a fork.
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22
Season the lamb stew with salt and pepper.
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23
Mound the couscous on a large, high-sided platter.
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24
Ladle one-third of the lamb and vegetables around the couscous and moisten with a little of the cooking liquid.
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25
Sprinkle the lamb stew and couscous with the mint and serve the remaining stew on the side, passing the harissa at the table.