Carrot and Cilantro Couscous
Brighten up your meal with this vibrant Carrot and Cilantro Couscous—a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed side dish or light main course. Fluffy couscous serves as the perfect canvas for earthy cumin, sweet grated carrots, zesty lemon juice, and fresh cilantro, creating a delightful medley of textures and tastes. A hint of garlic adds depth, while optional toasted slivered almonds bring a satisfying crunch. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious, making it perfect for anything from weeknight dinners to meal prep. Serve it warm, chilled, or at room temperature, and pair it with your favorite grilled proteins or enjoy it as a standalone dish. Rich in nutrients and brimming with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this Carrot and Cilantro Couscous is sure to become a household favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1.25 cups water
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 medium carrots
- 0.25 cups fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 cups slivered almonds (optional)
Instructions
Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, salt, and ground cumin. Stir to combine.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the couscous. Cover with a lid and let it sit for 5 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
While the couscous is resting, peel and grate the carrots using a box grater or food processor. Set aside.
Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains. Transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
Add the grated carrots, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, minced garlic, black pepper, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the couscous. Stir until well combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
If using, toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle over the couscous for added texture and flavor.
Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
659 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 42.5 g | 54% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.9 g | 25% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1598 mg | 69% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 62.1 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.2 g | 40% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.9 g | ||
| Protein | 15.1 g | 30% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 195 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 4.3 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 911 mg | 19% | |
*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.
