Vegetable Couscous Recipe

Renae is here to share a great recipe with us today: Vegetable Couscous!

I decided to make this easy Vegetable Couscous recipe after a long day at work, craving something light yet flavorful. The combination of fresh vegetables and fluffy couscous makes it the perfect weeknight meal that can be whipped up in no time.

Couscous is very easy to make if you are in need of a quick meal. My boys actually prefer it over rice!

Couscous comes in a whole grain version too!

Renae’s Corner: Vegetable Couscous Recipe

Are you ready to elevate your cooking game and impress your friends and family with a delicious and nutritious meal? Look no further than this amazing Vegetable Couscous recipe!

It’s packed full of healthy vegetables, aromatic spices, and fluffy couscous, this dish is sure to become a favorite with your family. Let’s get started with this mouthwatering dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 Cup Vegetable Stock
• 1 Cup Couscous
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 Garlic Clove, Pressed
• 3/4 Cup Zucchini, Chopped
• 4 Large Mushrooms, Sliced
• 1/2 Cup Grape Tomatoes, Cut in Half
• 1 Teaspoon Basil
• Dash of Balsamic Vinegar
• 1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees.In a saucepan heat vegetable stock to a boil. Add couscous, stir and return to a boil. Place the lid on the pan and remove from heat. Let the couscous sit for 5 minutes.

In a skillet heat olive oil. Add garlic, zucchini and mushrooms. Saute for about 5 minutes or until soft.

Add tomatoes and cook for another minute.

Place couscous in a small casserole dish. Add vegetables to couscous and mix. Add dash of balsamic vinegar and basil. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, refresh the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving again.

Tips

• Use vegetables you have on hand- onions, bell peppers, yellow squash or eggplant would also be good.
• Experiment with spices. Curry is a popular spice to use on couscous.
• Add diced chicken and make it a whole meal!

The Health You’ll love Vegetable Couscous

Not only is this Vegetable Couscous recipe incredibly delicious, but it’s also good for you! By adding a variety of colorful vegetables into your diet, you’re providing your body with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help boost your overall health and well-being. Let’s take a closer look at some of the health benefits of the key ingredients in this dish.

Zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable that’s rich in fiber, which can help support healthy digestion and keep you feeling full and satisfied. It’s also a good source of vitamin C, and that can help boost your immune system and give you healthy skin.

Bell peppers are loaded with antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and carotenoids, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. They’re also a great source of vitamin A, which is essential for eye health and your immune system.

Carrots are known for their high beta-carotene content, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune function. Carrots are also a good source of fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote healthy digestion.

Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to reduced risk of certain types of cancer and heart disease. They’re also a good source of vitamin C and potassium, which can help support heart health and lower blood pressure.

Couscous is a type of pasta made from semolina wheat, making it a good source of energy-boosting carbohydrates. It’s also low in fat and contains some protein, making it a balanced addition to any meal.

By combining all these nutritious ingredients into one delicious dish, you’re providing your body with a wide range of essential nutrients that can help support your overall health and well-being. So go ahead and enjoy a heaping serving of this Vegetable Couscous knowing that you’re nourishing your body from the inside out.

Tips for Customizing Your Vegetable Couscous

One of the best things about this Vegetable Couscous recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes and preferences, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Here are some tips for how you can personalize your Vegetable Couscous and make it your own:

– Add protein: This Vegetable Couscous is delicious on its own, you can easily add your favorite protein to make it a more substantial meal. Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas would all be great additions to this dish.

– Mix up the vegetables: Feel free to swap out any of the vegetables in this recipe for ones you prefer or have on hand. Broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, or spinach would all be delicious additions to this dish.

– Spice it up: Experiment with different spices and seasonings to change up the flavor profile of this dish. Add some cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or try adding some curry powder for a more exotic twist.

– Make it vegan: To make this dish vegan, simply swap out the vegetable broth for water or a vegan broth alternative. You can also leave out the honey if you prefer a completely plant-based dish.

– Add nuts or dried fruit: For some added texture and sweetness, consider tossing in some chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios, or some dried fruit like raisins or apricots. These additions will give your Vegetable Couscous a delicious crunch and burst of flavor.

With these simple tips and tricks, you can take this Vegetable Couscous recipe to the next level and create a dish that’s truly yours. So get creative in the kitchen, have fun experimenting with different flavors and ingredients, and enjoy the fruits of your labor with every tasty bite of this incredible dish.

It’s time to treat yourself to a culinary experience that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also nourishes your body from the inside out. So, gather your ingredients, follow the recipe, and savor every bite of this delightful Vegetable Couscous dish.