Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 1 onion, cut into thin slices
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 1 quart canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock
  • 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes in thick puree
  • 3/4 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 1/3 cups couscous
  • 2 cups drained canned chickpeas, rinsed (from one 19-ounce can)
  • 1 pound sea-bass fillets, skinned, cut into approximately 3/4-by-1 1/2-inch pieces

Method

  • In a large pot, heat the oil over moderately low heat.
  • Add the onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften, about 4 minutes.
  • Stir in the paprika, coriander, cayenne, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of the salt.
  • Add the broth, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes.
  • Simmer until the potatoes are almost tender, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring the water and 3/4 teaspoon of the salt to a boil.
  • Stir in the couscous.
  • Cover, remove from the heat, and let sit for 5 minutes.
  • Stir the chickpeas, fish, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt into the sweet-potato mixture.
  • Simmer until the fish is just done, about 4 minutes.
  • Serve the fish and vegetables over the couscous.
  • Ladle the liquid over the top.