Vegetable Couscous
A vibrant, aromatic, and effortless North African-inspired dish featuring fluffy semolina grains tossed with tender roasted vegetables and warm spices.
Ingredients
- •1.5 cups dry couscous
- •1.5 cups boiling vegetable broth
- •2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- •1 medium zucchini, diced
- •1 red bell pepper, diced
- •1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
- •1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 teaspoon ground cumin
- •1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- •1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- •1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- •1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- •Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the onion, carrot, and bell pepper, sautéing for about 8 minutes until softened.
- 2
Add the zucchini, garlic, cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric to the skillet, cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the chickpeas and season the mixture generously with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
- 4
Place the dry couscous in a large heat-proof bowl and pour the boiling vegetable broth over it.
- 5
Cover the bowl tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes.
- 6
Remove the cover and fluff the couscous gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- 7
Fold the sautéed vegetable mixture into the fluffy couscous and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
💡 Chef tips
- For extra flavor, toast the dry couscous in a dry pan for 2 minutes before adding the broth to give it a nutty aroma.
- You can easily swap the vegetables for seasonal favorites like roasted butternut squash or peas.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of water to keep the grains moist.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish should feature light, fluffy grains infused with earthy spices, paired with colorful, tender-crisp vegetables that offer a sweet and savory flavor profile.