Busy Couscous
Perfect for weeknights, "Busy Couscous" is a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish that comes together in just 25 minutes. This quick and healthy recipe combines fluffy couscous with sautéed garlic, onion, and a medley of fresh vegetables like red bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, all seasoned with warm spices like cumin and paprika. A squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley bring a refreshing finish to this wholesome meal. Ideal as a light vegetarian entrée or a flavorful side dish, this versatile recipe is easy to customize and guaranteed to please. Whether you're short on time or craving something colorful and delicious, "Busy Couscous" has you covered!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup vegetable broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 whole lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
Heat the vegetable broth (or water) in a medium saucepan until it comes to a boil.
Remove the saucepan from heat, add the couscous, stir briefly, and cover with a lid. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the broth.
While the couscous rests, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add the diced red bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for another 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the cherry tomatoes, ground cumin, ground paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains, then transfer it to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss gently to combine and warm through.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper, if needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
162 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 7.5 g | 10% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.1 g | 5% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 457 mg | 20% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22.4 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.3 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.1 g | ||
| Protein | 4.0 g | 8% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 50 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 484 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
