25-Minute Tunisian Vegetable Couscous

May 14, 2023May 14, 20230 17
25-Minute Tunisian Vegetable Couscous recipe for nutritious lunch or dinner
in Vegetarian

Prep

15 min

Cook

25 min

Ready In

40 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 red onion , chopped
1 zucchini , coarsely chopped
1 yellow squash , coarsely chopped
1 carrot , coarsely chopped
1 red bell pepper , coarsely chopped
1 yellow bell pepper , coarsely chopped
1/2 cup sliced baby portabella mushrooms
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 can chickpeas , drained
2 Roma tomatoes , sliced
2 cups dry couscous
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese ( optional )
1/2 teaspoon paprika ( optional )
1 tablespoon finely chopped toasted almonds ( optional )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
4
Calories
423
Sugar
6g
Fat
7g
The Tunisian vegetable couscous is a classic North African dish that has become popular worldwide due to its delicious taste and nutritional benefits. The dish consists of a variety of vegetables, including zucchini, squash, carrot, bell peppers, and mushrooms, cooked in a flavorful broth with smoked paprika and cardamom, then served on a bed of fluffy couscous. The dish is a perfect combination of smoky and mildly hot flavors, making it both delicious and satisfying. In Tunisia, the dish is traditionally served during Ramadan, as it is high in carbohydrates and provides a good source of energy. However, it has become a staple dish in many restaurants and households worldwide and is enjoyed as a nutritious lunch or dinner option.

Instructions

1.In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2.Add onion and sauté until it becomes tender, for about 2 minutes.
3.Add zucchini, yellow squash, carrot, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and mushrooms into the pot. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables start getting tender.
4.Pour vegetable broth, smoked sweet paprika, ground cardamom, salt, chopped fresh cilantro, and chickpeas into the pot and bring it to a boil.
5.Reduce the heat to low-medium, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, until the vegetables and chickpeas are fully cooked.
6.While the vegetables are simmering, cook the couscous according to the instructions written on the package.
7.Once the couscous is fully cooked, add grated orange zest into the pot and mix well.
8.Serve the couscous hot, topped with the vegetable mixture and sliced Roma tomatoes.
9.If you would like to add some more flavor and crunch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, and finely chopped toasted almonds over the top.
10.Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Tunisian vegetable couscous!

PROS

This couscous is loaded with a wide variety of vegetables, providing a good source of vitamins and minerals.
It is also vegetarian, making it a great option for those who choose not to consume meat.

The meal is easy to prepare and can be ready in just 25 minutes, making it a perfect option for a busy weeknight.

The couscous is also versatile, so you can easily customize the recipe according to your liking.

CONS

The dish may be too spicy for those who do not enjoy smoky and mildly hot flavors.

The recipe may produce a relatively large amount of food, so it may be challenging to store and consume the leftovers in a timely manner.

The meal may not contain enough protein for those who are particularly active and who require higher protein intake.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The Tunisian vegetable couscous is a highly nutritious meal, packed with a variety of vegetables that contain essential vitamins and minerals.
Yellow and red bell peppers are loaded with antioxidants, while zucchini and yellow squash contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which are good for eye health. Chickpeas provide plant-based protein, while the orange zest contains vitamin C and a considerable amount of fiber.
Moreover, the couscous itself is also high in fiber, making it good for digestion and helping to reduce the risk of constipation and other gastrointestinal issues.

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