Start by cooking your chosen grain (couscous, bulgur, or rice) according to the package instructions. If you’re using rice, consider adding a pinch of salt and a dash of olive oil for extra flavor. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and set it aside.

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and bell peppers, and sauté until they’re softened and fragrant—around 5-7 minutes.

Toss in the chopped tomatoes and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to break down and release their juices.

Sprinkle in the ground spices: cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices, letting them bloom in the warm oil. This is the magic moment when the dish starts to fill your kitchen with aromatic goodness.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

If you’re using meat, add it now! Whether it's chicken, lamb, or beef, let it cook through in the pan until it’s browned and fully cooked. For a vegetarian version, add cooked lentils or chickpeas at this point. Stir the protein in to incorporate it with the spiced vegetables.

Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add your cooked grains to the pan with the vegetables and protein. Stir everything until well combined, ensuring the grains soak up all those delicious flavors.

Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer together for another 5-10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like more spice, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or paprika for extra heat.

Prep Ahead: You can prepare your grains and veggies in advance to save time when you’re ready to cook. Just store them separately in airtight containers and combine them when it’s time to finish the dish.

Get Creative: While this is a traditional method, feel free to play with the flavors! Add a splash of lemon juice for some zest, or toss in some dried fruits like raisins or apricots for a touch of sweetness.

Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes off the heat will help all the flavors develop and come together. It’s worth the wait!