Moroccan Steak Tips and Couscous

I enjoyed the couscous for this, but the steak came out a bit tough and somewhat disappointing. Next time I might just make the couscous part and leave out the steak altogether.

Steak Tips and Couscous
Cook's Country October/November 2017
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
salt and pepper
1 1/2 lbs. sirloin steak tips, trimmed and cut into 2" chunks
1 Tbsp. oil
1 1/4 c. water
1 (440mL) can chickpeas, rinsed
3/4 c. couscous
1/2 c. golden raisins
60g baby spinach (or more to taste)

1. Combine cumin, cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. pepper, and 2 tsp. salt.
2. Season steak w/ 1 Tbsp. spice mix.
3. Heat oil in pan until just smoking.
4. Add steak to pan and cook until browned on all sides.
5. Remove steak from pan and set aside.
6. Add water, chickpeas, couscous, raisins, and remaining spice mix to pan.
7. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, cover, and let stand for ~5 minutes.
8. Stir in spinach and serve with steak.

For a steak-less variation, I might try slowly cooking some onions in the pan first.

Warm Couscous Salad
1 Tbsp. oil
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp. ground cumin
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. paprika
1 1/4 c. water
1 (440mL) can chickpeas, rinsed
3/4 c. couscous
1/2 c. golden raisins
120g baby spinach

1. Cook onions in oil over medium heat until light brown.
2. Add cumin, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and paprika to pan and cook until spices sizzle and become fragrant, 30-60 seconds.
3. Add water, chickpeas, couscous, and raisins.
4. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat, cover, and let stand for ~5 minutes.
5. Stir in the spinach and serve.