Couscous with Vegetables Recipe

Introduction:

Couscous with Vegetables is a quick, versatile, and wholesome dish that combines the nutty flavor of couscous with a medley of colorful vegetables. Originating from North Africa, couscous has become a popular grain globally, celebrated for its ease of preparation and ability to complement a variety of flavors. In this recipe, the couscous is infused with the goodness of sautéed vegetables, creating a light and satisfying dish that’s perfect as a side or a main course. Let’s embark on a journey of flavors and textures with Couscous with Vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth or water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro) for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare Couscous:
   • In a saucepan, bring vegetable broth or water to a boil.
   • Stir in couscous, cover the pan, and remove it from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
2. Fluff Couscous:
   • Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.
3. Sauté Vegetables:
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
4. Add Bell Pepper, Zucchini, and Carrot:
   • Add diced bell pepper, zucchini, and carrot to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Add Cherry Tomatoes and Peas:
   • Stir in cherry tomatoes and frozen peas. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and peas are heated through.
6. Season with Spices:
   • Sprinkle ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper over the vegetables. Stir to coat evenly.
7. Combine with Couscous:
   • Add the fluffed couscous to the skillet with sautéed vegetables. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro) and serve Couscous with Vegetables warm.
   • Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

Enjoy the simplicity and versatility of Couscous with Vegetables—a delightful dish that brings together the goodness of couscous and the vibrant flavors of sautéed vegetables. It’s a perfect addition to your repertoire of quick and healthy meals!