Couscous with Harvest Vegetables

Ingredients

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1 tablespoon olive oil $

4 links (about 1 pound) lamb sausage, such as merguez, cut into 1-inch slices

1 large yellow onion, sliced $

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided $

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon $

1 teaspoon paprika

1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger

1 small pumpkin (about 12 ounces), peeled, seeded, and diced into 1- to 2-inch cubes*

4 carrots, halved lengthwise and cut into thirds $

2 turnips, cut into 2-inch pieces $

1 cup golden raisins

5 cups chicken stock or chicken or vegetable broth $

1 zucchini (about 1/2 pound), halved lengthwise and cut into fourths

1 (15.5-ounce) can chickpeas $

1 (10-ounce) package couscous

Garnish: fresh cilantro or mint leaves $

Preparation

1. Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add sausage, and cook about 5 minutes. Add onion and garlic; sauté 5 minutes. Add 3/4 teaspoon salt and next 7 ingredients; stir well. Add stock, and bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until pumpkin is tender when pierced with a fork. Stir in zucchini and chickpeas; simmer about 10 minutes more or until zucchini is tender but not falling apart.

2. Cook couscous according to package directions with remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt. Fluff with a fork; keep warm until ready to serve.

3. Pile warm couscous on a large platter. Remove sausage and vegetables from pot with slotted spoon, and place around couscous. Garnish, if desired. Pour broth into a serving bowl. Invite guests to serve themselves individual portions of couscous, vegetables, and broth.