Vegetable couscous is a healthy, flavorful dish that is both nutritious and satisfying. It’s made with steamed couscous and a variety of colorful vegetables, often accompanied by aromatic spices. This dish is a staple in North African cuisine and can be served as a main course or as a side dish. It’s perfect for family meals, gatherings, or even meal prepping.
Ingredients (for 4 servings):
- 250 g couscous (preferably whole wheat or regular)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), chopped
- 1 eggplant, diced
- 1 cup chickpeas (cooked or canned, drained and rinsed)
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup vegetable broth or water
- A handful of fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- A handful of toasted almonds or raisins for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the couscous:
- In a large bowl, place the couscous and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Pour over 1 cup of boiling vegetable broth or water, cover, and let it steam for about 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, and eggplant. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
- Add spices and chickpeas:
- Stir in the cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and chickpeas, then cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and the flavors to blend.
- Combine couscous and vegetables:
- Add the steamed couscous to the vegetable mixture and toss gently to combine, ensuring the couscous absorbs the flavors from the vegetables and spices.
- Serve and garnish:
- Transfer the couscous to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. You can also add toasted almonds or raisins for extra texture and sweetness.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil just before serving.
- You can also add other vegetables like sweet potatoes, peas, or cauliflower, depending on what you have available.
- To make this dish vegan, ensure the vegetable broth is plant-based.
Enjoy your flavorful vegetable couscous!
