Couscous Cubano
Elevate your meal game with the vibrant flavors of **Couscous Cubano**, a Cuban-inspired twist on a classic Mediterranean staple. This refreshing dish pairs light, fluffy couscous with hearty black beans, sweet corn, and crisp bell peppers, all tossed in a zesty citrus dressing infused with orange juice, lime juice, smoked paprika, and cumin. The aromatic blend is balanced by fresh cilantro and green onions, with an optional creamy avocado finish. Perfectly quick and easy, this 25-minute recipe makes an ideal side dish or a wholesome, plant-forward main course. Serve it chilled or at room temperature to bring a burst of tropical flair to your table—an irresistible fusion of bold flavors and effortless preparation.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1.25 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 units garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 unit red bell pepper, diced
- 0.25 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 units green onions, sliced
- 1 unit avocado, diced (optional)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the olive oil and couscous, and stir to combine. Cover with a lid and let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the liquid.
While the couscous is cooking, prepare the citrus dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
Once the couscous has absorbed all the liquid, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
Add the black beans, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions to the couscous. Toss gently to combine.
Pour the citrus dressing over the couscous mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding a pinch more salt or a drizzle of lime juice if desired.
If using avocado, gently fold the diced avocado into the couscous mixture just before serving to avoid it becoming mushy.
Serve the Couscous Cubano chilled or at room temperature as a flavorful side dish or a light main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1247 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 56.0 g | 72% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.4 g | 42% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2248 mg | 98% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 163.5 g | 59% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 39.6 g | 141% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.8 g | ||
| Protein | 40.1 g | 80% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 266 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 11.8 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 3100 mg | 66% | |
*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.
