Author Notes
Inspired by a future trip to Morocco, my mind has been on Ras al Hanout, Za'atar and Harissa. I can barely wait to see how it's used there. Until then, I can dream up dishes with fall squash and roasted root vegetables that can be dressed up Moroccan style. —Oat&Sesame
Continue After Advertisement
Ingredients
-
1 cup
dry couscous
-
Pinch of saffron (optional)
-
2
small/medium Delicata Squash, cut in half lengthwise
-
3
medium parsnips, peeled and chopped into large pieces
-
4
medium carrots, peeled and chopped into large pieces
-
2
large red bell peppers, cut into large pieces
-
1 tablespoon
Harissa Paste
-
2 teaspoons
fresh ginger, grated
-
4
scallions, diced
-
2 tablespoons
toasted sesame seeds (optional)
-
1/3 cup
slivered almonds, toasted
-
1/4 cup
fresh dill, chopped
-
1-2 teaspoons
Za'atar
-
1-2 teaspoons
Ras Al Hanout
-
Salt, to taste
-
Olive oil
-
Toppings: Labneh (Lebanese strained yogurt) or Greek yogurt sprinkled with za'atar lemon or lime wedges Harissa paste drizzle of good olive oil
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 400F (375 if using convection roast). Line 1 large and 1 small rimmed baking sheet with parchment. (the red pepper takes less time to roast and needs it's own baking sheet.)
-
Brush the cut squash on both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle each cavity with salt, pepper, a sprinkle of Ras al Hanout and about ¼ tsp of fresh ginger. Place face down on the large baking sheet.
-
Toss parsnips and carrots with olive oil, salt and pepper. Arrange in a single layer next to the squash. Toss the red pepper with olive oil and salt, place on the small baking sheet. The red pepper will roast for 12-15 min and the other vegetables need about 20-25 minutes, stirring them around halfway through the cooking process.
-
While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the couscous (adding a pinch of saffron if using) according to package instructions (usually about 5 min) and toast the slivered almonds in a dry pan on the stovetop (3-5 min).
-
Once the couscous is done, stir in some olive oil, 1 tsp za'atar, the diced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, almonds and fresh dill. Season with salt to taste.
-
Once the vegetables are done, place the carrots, parsnips and red pepper in a bowl and toss with the remaining grated ginger and 1 Tbs Harissa.
-
Fill the squash with couscous and a good helping of vegetables.
-
Toppings should include: a side of labneh or thick Greek yogurt sprinkled with za'atar and olive oil and side of Harissa paste. Lemons or lime wedges to squeeze on top.
See what other Food52ers are saying.