If you’re looking to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Morocco, this Ultimate Moroccan Couscous with Roasted Vegetables and Almonds is your ticket. Bursting with warm spices, sweet roasted vegetables, and the satisfying crunch of almonds, this dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. It’s a simple yet exotic meal that will make your dinner table feel like an adventure.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and lightly coat a large baking sheet with non-stick spray. Arrange the bell peppers, carrots, onions, and zucchini on the sheet, drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Roast for approximately 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the vegetables are tender; broil for an additional 1-2 minutes if you prefer a light char.
- As the vegetables cook, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Set this mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- In a saucepan, bring chicken broth, half a teaspoon of salt, and turmeric to a boil. Place couscous and raisins in a large bowl, and pour the boiling broth over them. Stir gently, cover with plastic wrap, and let it sit for 5 minutes to steam.
- Once the couscous is ready, fluff it with a fork, then add the roasted vegetables, chickpeas, almonds, cilantro, mint, and the prepared lemon dressing. Toss everything together until well combined, adding more salt if needed. Serve this dish warm and enjoy its vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 bell pepper
- 2 carrots
- 1 onion
- 1 zucchini
- 4 cloves of garlic
- Fresh cilantro
- Fresh mint
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 ¼ cups couscous
- ? cup raisins
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- Salt, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2534 | Calories from Fat: 819 | Fat: 91g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 1393mg | Potassium: 3822mg | Carbohydrates: 350g | Fiber: 49g | Sugar: 28g | Protein: 63g | Vitamin A: 27615IU | Vitamin C: 302.4mg | Calcium: 539mg | Iron: 16.8mg
FAQ
- What ingredients are used in the Moroccan Couscous with Roasted Vegetables?
- The dish includes fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, onions, and zucchini, as well as garlic, cilantro, mint, lemon, and spices like turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, and coriander. Additionally, olive oil, low-sodium chicken broth, chickpeas, almonds, raisins, and couscous are used.
- How do you prepare the Moroccan Couscous with Roasted Vegetables?
- Begin by preheating the oven to 475 degrees and preparing a baking sheet. Toss the vegetables with olive oil and seasonings, then roast them until tender. Meanwhile, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. Boil chicken broth with turmeric and pour it over couscous and raisins. Let it rest, then mix in the roasted vegetables, chickpeas, almonds, herbs, and lemon mixture.
- Can this couscous dish be adapted with other ingredients?
- Yes, the couscous can be easily adapted with your favorite vegetables, making it a versatile option for using up ingredients you have on hand.
- Is the Moroccan Couscous suitable for leftovers?
- Absolutely, the Moroccan Couscous makes excellent leftovers. It can be enjoyed over the next couple of days, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
- What can be served with the Moroccan Couscous for a complete meal?
- This couscous pairs well with grilled chicken, lamb, or beef, making it a filling and exciting dinner option.
Tips
- Roast to Perfection: For added flavor, consider moving the oven rack closer to the broiler during the last couple of minutes of roasting the vegetables to achieve a light char.
- Flavorful Infusion: To ensure your couscous is rich in flavor, pour the hot chicken broth and turmeric mixture over the couscous and raisins, then cover and let it rest for 5 minutes before mixing.
- Fresh Herb Finish: Add fresh cilantro and mint just before serving to preserve their vibrant flavors and enhance the dish’s freshness.
- Adapt with Ease: Feel free to customize this dish with any vegetables you have on hand, making it a versatile option for using up ingredients in your kitchen.
Equipment
- Rimmed Baking Sheet (18 by 13-inch)
- Non-stick Cooking Spray
- Mixing Bowls (Various Sizes)
- Whisk
- Plastic Wrap
