Low Sodium Traditional Moroccan Couscous
Savor the vibrant flavors of North Africa with this Low Sodium Traditional Moroccan Couscous recipe—a wholesome and heart-healthy twist on the classic dish. Made with nutrient-rich whole wheat couscous, tender vegetables, protein-packed chickpeas, and naturally sweet dried apricots, this recipe is infused with fragrant spices like cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric for an authentic Moroccan flair. A zesty finish of fresh parsley and lemon elevates the dish, making it a perfect low-sodium option that's both satisfying and flavorful. Ready in just 35 minutes, this versatile dish can be enjoyed as a light main course or aromatic side, offering a nourishing meal packed with bold taste and wholesome ingredients.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat couscous
- 1.25 cups water
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup chickpeas, cooked and rinsed
- 0.5 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring 1.25 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the juice of half a lemon. Remove from heat and stir in the whole wheat couscous. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the diced carrot and zucchini to the skillet. Sauté for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the chickpeas, chopped dried apricots, ground cinnamon, ground cumin, ground turmeric, and ground black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes to combine and allow the spices to release their aroma.
Add the cooked couscous to the skillet with the vegetables and chickpea mixture. Gently toss everything together to evenly distribute the spices and vegetables.
Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley, lemon zest, and the remaining lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor.
Serve the couscous warm as a main dish or as a side. Enjoy this low-sodium, aromatic Moroccan-style meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1191 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.4 g | 47% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.0 g | 25% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 142 mg | 6% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 196.6 g | 71% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 36.4 g | 130% | |
| Total Sugars | 70.8 g | ||
| Protein | 36.6 g | 73% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 448 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 16.5 mg | 92% | |
| Potassium | 3134 mg | 67% | |
*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.
