Ww Pumpkin Bacon and Herb Couscous
Savor the perfect balance of savory and sweet with this Weight Watchers-inspired Pumpkin Bacon and Herb Couscous recipe. This wholesome dish combines fluffy couscous infused with aromatic chicken or vegetable stock, roasted caramelized pumpkin, and crispy, smoky bacon. Fragrant herbs like parsley and thyme elevate the flavor, while a hint of lemon zest adds a bright, refreshing twist. With just 15 minutes of prep time and the versatility to shine as a hearty side or a light main course, this recipe is both satisfying and simple to make. Perfect for autumn gatherings or any time you crave a healthy-yet-indulgent meal, this dish delivers big on flavor while keeping your goals in check.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1.25 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 cups pumpkin (cubed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 slices bacon (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the cubed pumpkin on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
While the pumpkin roasts, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon fat and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Remove from heat.
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable stock to a boil. Remove from heat, stir in the couscous, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork once cooked.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked couscous, roasted pumpkin, crispy bacon, sautéed garlic, and any leftover bacon fat.
Stir in the chopped parsley, thyme, and lemon zest. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and gently toss to combine.
Season with the salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste if needed.
Serve warm as a side dish or a main course. Garnish with additional parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
912 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 54.6 g | 70% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.2 g | 66% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 66 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 3599 mg | 156% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 73.5 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.6 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.4 g | ||
| Protein | 35.6 g | 71% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 164 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 5.7 mg | 32% | |
| Potassium | 2213 mg | 47% | |
*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.
