Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 whole star anise pods
• salt to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 dried hot red peppers, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 large fresh mushrooms, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped dates
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup uncooked couscous
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable stock