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Harissa-Spiced Beef with Dates and Couscous

Harissa-Spiced Beef with Dates and Couscous

By Courtney HillFebruary 5, 2021

  • Makes
    4 servings
  • Cook Time
    30 minutes

In this recipe, we use harissa, a North African spice paste, as the flavor base for a simple skillet-cooked meat sauce, as well as to season the couscous that’s served alongside. Scallions play a dual role in this dish—the whites are caramelized to lend depth of flavor to the sauce and the greens are sprinkled on as a garnish. Dates (or raisins) lend sweetness that play off the spicy, savory notes.

Ingredients
  • 1¼

    cups couscous

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

  • 3

    tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 3

    tablespoons harissa, divided, plus more to serve

  • 1¼

    cups boiling water

  • 1

    bunch scallions, thinly sliced, whites and greens reserved separately

  • 2

    teaspoons ground cumin

  • 1

    pound 80 percent lean ground beef OR ground lamb

  • ¾

    cup pitted dates, roughly chopped OR golden raisins

  • Optional garnish: Chopped fresh cilantro, chopped pistachios, chopped pitted green olives and/or lemon wedges

In a large bowl, stir together the couscous, ¾ teaspoon salt and 1½ tablespoons each oil and harissa. Stir in the boiling water; cover and let stand while you prepare the beef. In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook the remaining 1½ tablespoons oil, the scallion whites and cumin, stirring, until the scallions brown. Add the beef, the remaining 1½ tablespoons harissa, the dates, ¾ cup water and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Simmer and cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally while breaking up the meat, until the mixture is saucy. Stir in the scallion greens and season with salt and pepper. Serve over the couscous.