Moroccan Style Braised Lamb Shanks

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 meaty lamb shanks ((about 1 1⁄4 pounds each))
• Salt
• freshly ground pepper
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 2 carrots (finely chopped)
• 2 large garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon harissa or another chili paste
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 1 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes (drained and coarsely chopped)
• 2 cups chicken stock or canned low-sodium broth
• 1⁄4 cup slivered almonds (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped mint
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large shallot (minced)
• 1 10-ounce box instant couscous
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup dried currants