
Express Lamb Skillet with Apricots, Whole Wheat Couscous and Mint Yogurt
A quick, original Mediterranean-inspired dish: spiced sautéed lamb with juicy apricots, fluffy whole wheat couscous, and a cool mint yogurt sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes with a balanced mix of sweet, savory, and herbal flavors.
Ingredients
- 180 g whole wheat couscous (crudo)
- 240 ml water (hirviendo for hidratar the cuscús)
- 450 g lamb leg or loin, thinly sliced (boneless)
- 4 units fresh apricots (in wedges)
- 120 g red onion (en pluma fina)
- 30 ml olive oil (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic (chopped fino)
- 2 g ground cumin
- 2 g sweet paprika
- 0.5 g ground cinnamon
- 5 g salt (or to taste, divided)
- 1 g black pepper (or to taste)
- 15 ml honey
- 15 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 170 g plain Greek yogurt
- 10 g fresh mint (chopped, divided)
- 25 g sliced almonds (tostadas lightly)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. Place the whole wheat couscous in a heatproof bowl with 2 g (about 1/3 tsp) salt. Pour in 240 ml (1 cup) boiling water, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then stir in 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil.
- 2
2. While the couscous rests, toss the lamb with the cumin, sweet paprika, cinnamon, 2 g (about 1/3 tsp) salt, and black pepper.
- 3
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Add 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil and sauté the red onion for 2 minutes until slightly softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- 4
4. Add the seasoned lamb and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until browned and cooked through. If checking internal temperature, cook to at least 145°F (63°C) and let rest briefly before serving.
- 5
5. Add the apricot wedges, honey, and lemon juice to the skillet. Cook for 2 more minutes, stirring gently, until the fruit is warm and lightly glazed but still holds its shape.
- 6
6. In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with half of the chopped mint and a pinch of salt to make a quick creamy sauce.
- 7
7. Divide the whole wheat couscous among plates or bowls. Spoon the lamb, onion, and apricot mixture over the top. Add dollops of mint yogurt.
- 8
8. Finish with the remaining mint and the toasted sliced almonds. Serve immediately.
Chef tips
For extra flavor, toast the almonds in a dry skillet for 1 to 2 minutes over medium heat until golden and fragrant. If your apricots are very ripe, add them at the very end so they do not break down.
Substitutions
You can swap the lamb for turkey or chicken strips. Spearmint can be replaced with mint or parsley. If you do not have fresh apricots, use firm plum wedges instead. For a nut-free version, leave out the almonds.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
Illustrative imageVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
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