Moroccan Couscous with Seven Vegetables

Instructions

1. Prepare the couscous
   Place the couscous in a large bowl. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and pour over the couscous. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it sit for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork, separating any clumps.
2. Create the flavor base
   Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
3. Begin cooking the vegetables
   Add 6 cups of water or vegetable broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Add the carrots and turnips first, as they take the longest to cook. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
4. Add remaining vegetables
   After 15 minutes, add the zucchini, eggplant, and butternut squash to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 20 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender but not mushy. Add the chickpeas during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
5. Steam the couscous
   While the vegetables are simmering, prepare the couscous for steaming. If you have a traditional couscous steamer (couscoussier), transfer the fluffed couscous to the top portion. Otherwise, place the couscous in a fine-mesh colander lined with cheesecloth. Position the colander over the simmering vegetables, making sure it doesn't touch the liquid, and cover with a lid. Steam for 15-20 minutes.
6. Fluff and season couscous
   Transfer the steamed couscous to a large serving dish. Fluff it again with a fork, and stir in 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil for richness. Season with salt to taste.
7. Serve the dish
   Arrange the cooked vegetables over the couscous in the center of the dish. Ladle some of the flavorful cooking broth over the couscous and vegetables. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley and serve hot, with harissa paste on the side for those who enjoy extra heat.