Ingredients

• Ingredients
  1. 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  2. 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  3. 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  4. 2 pounds skinless chicken thighs
  5. 2 pounds veal shanks, cut 1 1/2 inches thick
  6. Water
  7. 2 large tomatoes—peeled, seeded and quartered
  8. 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
  9. 2 small cinnamon sticks
  10. 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  11. Large pinch of cayenne pepper
  12. Large pinch of saffron threads, crumbled
  13. 10 cilantro sprigs and 10 flat-leaf parsley sprigs, tied in cheesecloth
  14. Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  15. 3 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
  16. 3 medium turnips, peeled and quartered
  17. 1 fennel bulb, cored and cut lengthwise into thick wedges
  18. 1 pound peeled butternut squash, cut into 3-inch chunks
  19. 2 large zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut into 2-inch pieces
  20. Two 15-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  21. 2 cups instant couscous (14 ounces)
  22. Harissa or other hot sauce, for serving

Directions

1. In a large soup pot, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in the olive oil. Add the onion and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until softened, about 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the onion to a bowl, add the chicken and veal to the pot in a single layer and cook until the meat is browned on the bottom, about 5 minutes. Turn the meat and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes longer.
2. Add 2 1/2 quarts of water, the cooked onion, the tomatoes, ginger, cinnamon sticks, paprika, cayenne, saffron and herb bundle to the pot and bring to a boil, skimming. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Cover partially and simmer over moderately low heat until the chicken is just cooked through, about 35 minutes; transfer to a plate. Continue cooking the veal, partially covered, until tender, about 1 1/4 hours longer. Add the veal to the chicken. Discard the herb bundle and cinnamon sticks and refrigerate the broth until chilled; skim off any fat from the surface.
3. Meanwhile, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a large saucepan. Add the couscous and cook over moderately high heat, stirring constantly, until nutty and lightly toasted, about 5 minutes. Add 5 1/2 cups of water and a generous pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cover, remove from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Using 2 forks, fluff the couscous and mound it in 8 large bowls. Spoon the meat, vegetables and broth over the couscous and serve, passing the harissa on the side.

Make Ahead

The recipe can be prepared through Step 3 and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Rewarm before serving.

Notes

One Serving 619 calories, 15.7 gm total fat, 4.7 gm saturated fat, 68 gm carb.