Moroccan Couscous Pilaf
Transport your taste buds to North Africa with this vibrant Moroccan Couscous Pilaf, a harmonious blend of fluffy couscous, aromatic spices, and sweet dried fruits. Perfectly seasoned with warming cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and coriander, this dish celebrates traditional Moroccan flavors while featuring tender carrots, zucchini, and golden raisins for a hearty yet light texture. Diced dried apricots lend a subtle sweetness, while slivered almonds add a delightful crunch. Finished with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of lemon juice, this dish is an explosion of bold flavors and textures. Ready in just 35 minutes, it's an ideal side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or grilled vegetables. Make your dinner table unforgettable with this easy, nutrient-packed couscous pilaf! Keywords: Moroccan couscous recipe, couscous pilaf, North African recipes, spiced couscous, quick vegetarian dinner.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Couscous
- 2 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium Carrot, diced
- 1 medium Zucchini, diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoons Turmeric
- 0.5 teaspoons Ground coriander
- 0.5 cup Dried apricots, chopped
- 0.5 cup Golden raisins
- 0.25 cup Slivered almonds, toasted
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
Instructions
In a medium pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil.
Remove the pot from heat, stir in the couscous, cover with a lid, and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the liquid. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the diced carrot and zucchini, cooking for an additional 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and coriander. Stir for 1–2 minutes until aromatic.
Mix in the dried apricots and golden raisins, allowing them to warm slightly and soften for about 2 minutes.
Add the cooked couscous to the skillet with the vegetable mixture and fold gently to combine.
Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, stirring to evenly distribute the flavors.
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the slivered almonds and fresh cilantro over the couscous pilaf.
Serve warm as a side dish or a light main course. Enjoy your Moroccan-inspired meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1282 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 46.7 g | 60% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.2 g | 31% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4618 mg | 201% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 205.9 g | 75% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.5 g | 80% | |
| Total Sugars | 112.3 g | ||
| Protein | 27.7 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 320 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 9.4 mg | 52% | |
| Potassium | 2728 mg | 58% | |
*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.
