Savory Pumpkin and Oxtail Cous Cous

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 pounds oxtails
• 3 medium yellow onions, peeled and sliced lengthwise
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh ginger, or 1 teaspoon dried ginger
• 3 pinches saffron
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 quarts chicken stock, or water
• 3 carrots, peeled and cut into 3-inch lengths
• 1 1/2 pounds pumpkin, peeled, seeded and cut into 2-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 2 cups cooked chickpeas, drained, or 1 (15-ounce) can, drained
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 6 to 8 cups hot cooked couscous

Directions

In a large Dutch oven or cous-cousiere, heat the oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the oxtails and brown on all sides, about 6 minutes. Add onions and cook until slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, saffron, turmeric, cinnamon, red pepper, and salt and pepper, and cook until aromatic, about 3 minutes. Add the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 2 hours and 30 minutes, or until oxtails are tender but not falling apart.

Add the carrots and continue to cook uncovered over medium-low heat for 20 minutes. Add the pumpkin, sugar, and raisins, and continue to cook uncovered, until pumpkin and oxtails are tender, about 15 minutes. Add the chickpeas, cilantro, and parsley and cook an additional 10 minutes, until flavors come together. Taste and adjust seasonings, serve over hot couscous.