Spiced Seared Eggplant with Pearl Couscous

1. Mix Spices

In a small bowl, mix together ground cinnamon, ground cumin, ground cayenne, and salt.

2. Toast Couscous

Place pearl couscous into a heavy pot and toast over medium heat until golden, about 3 minutes, then transfer to a bowl.

3. Cook Eggplant and Onion

In the same pot, heat olive oil, then add eggplant and onion, seasoning with salt and ground black pepper. Cook until eggplant is tender and onions are translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes.

4. Add Garlic and Spices

Add minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, then stir in tomato paste and the previously mixed spices and cook for about 1 minute.

5. Simmer with Couscous and Tomato

Reintroduce the toasted couscous to the pot, add diced medium tomato and water, and simmer uncovered until couscous is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 8 to 12 minutes.

6. Finish and Serve

Remove from heat, let sit for 2 minutes, then stir in smoked paprika and freshly chopped parsley. Season with more salt if needed.