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1
Place the lamb in a resealable food storage bag.
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2
Combine the spices in a small bowl, then sprinkle them into the bag and seal the bag.
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3
Shake to coat the lamb pieces evenly in the spices.
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4
Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high to high heat.
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5
Add the EVOO, then the lamb.
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6
Sear and caramelize the lamb, turning to brown all sides, 5 to 7 minutes in all.
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7
Add the onions and garlic and cook for 5 minutes more.
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8
Add the dates and 2 cups of the chicken stock to the pan and cover.
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9
Cook for 7 to 8 minutes more to plump the dates and soften the onions.
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10
Remove the cover and adjust the seasonings.
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11
During the last 5 minutes the lamb cooks, melt the butter in a saucepan.
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12
Add the pine nuts and stir until toasted, 1 or 2 minutes.
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13
Add the remaining 2 cups of stock and bring it to a boil.
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14
Remove the pan from the heat, add the couscous, and cover the pan.
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15
Let it stand for 5 minutes.
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16
Remove the lid and fluff the couscous with a fork.
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17
Serve the lamb over the couscous in shallow dishes and garnish it with chopped scallions and cilantro.
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18
Make a double or triple batch of this spice blend to use with ground chicken or turkey for an unexpected Moroccan burger.
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19
The spice blend will keep for 6 months in an airtight container.