Are you ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of the Middle East? This Paul Merrett's Couscous with Vegetables isn't just a recipe—it's a flavor-packed journey that promises to revolutionize your meal prep in just 25 minutes! Imagine a dish that's not only incredibly quick to prepare but also bursting with colorful vegetables, aromatic spices, and a perfect balance of textures that will make your family and friends beg for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing and dicing them uniformly into small, roughly 1/2-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced carrots and bell peppers to the pan, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Incorporate the diced zucchini and sprinkle cumin, salt, and pepper over the vegetables, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the pan and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the couscous to the simmering vegetable broth, stir briefly, then remove from heat and cover the pan.
- Let the couscous sit covered for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to absorb the liquid and steam.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork, gently mixing the vegetables throughout the grain.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more salt or pepper to preference.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired.
Tips
- Uniform Vegetable Cutting: Take your time to dice vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and a professional-looking presentation.
- Broth Temperature Matters: Use hot vegetable broth when adding to the couscous to help it absorb liquid more efficiently and create a fluffier texture.
- Don't Rush the Steaming: Let the couscous sit covered off the heat for the full 5-7 minutes. This crucial resting time allows for perfect liquid absorption.
- Flavor Boosting Hack: Consider toasting the cumin briefly in the pan before adding vegetables to enhance its nutty, warm flavor profile.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro aren't just a garnish—they add a bright, fresh dimension that elevates the entire dish.
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to swap or add vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference while maintaining similar cooking times.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
