Spicy Couscous
Transform your weeknight dinners with this vibrant and flavorful Spicy Couscous recipe! Perfectly fluffy couscous is combined with sautéed vegetables like red bell pepper and zucchini, tender chickpeas, and a bold blend of warming spices including cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper for a kick. A burst of fresh parsley and a squeeze of zesty lemon juice brighten the dish, making it the ideal balance of heat and freshness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is perfect as a spicy vegetarian main course or as a flavorful side dish. Plus, it's packed with protein, plant-based ingredients, and Mediterranean-inspired flavors to elevate your meal prep game.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 2 large garlic cloves
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 1 small zucchini
- 1 cup canned chickpeas
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Remove from heat, stir in the couscous, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
While the couscous is resting, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Finely chop the onion and garlic. Dice the red bell pepper and zucchini into small cubes.
Add the onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Stir in the red bell pepper and zucchini, cooking for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Add the canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed), tomato paste, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine, cooking for 2-3 more minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the cooked couscous. Mix until the flavors are evenly distributed.
Finish by stirring in the fresh parsley and lemon juice for a burst of freshness.
Serve warm as a side dish or a light, spicy main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
921 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 35.8 g | 46% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.7 g | 29% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4199 mg | 183% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 127.5 g | 46% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.4 g | 80% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.2 g | ||
| Protein | 26.8 g | 54% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 245 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 8.6 mg | 48% | |
| Potassium | 2069 mg | 44% | |
*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.
