Flavorful Chickpea Spinach Couscous Delight
This vibrant Chickpea Spinach Couscous Delight is a delightful dish that marries the wholesome flavors of tender spinach and hearty chickpeas with the freshness of tomatoes and a fragrant blend of spices. Inspired by a traditional spinach and chickpea curry, this recipe has been adapted for a lighter, vegetarian couscous version that is both filling and refreshing. Using quick-cooking Near East couscous mix, this dish comes together in just minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables for added nutrients and color, ensuring a delightful dining experience every time. Serve it warm, either on its own or alongside a Mediterranean salad, for a nourishing meal that celebrates the best of vegetarian gastronomy.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onions
2 (chopped)
Tomatoes
2 big (peeled and cubed)
Fresh Spinach
1/2 lb (washed)
Garlic Cloves
2 (minced)
Chickpeas
1 can (15 ounces) (rinsed and drained)
Lemon Juice
1/2 (squeezed from fresh lemon)
Vegetable Bouillon Cube
1 (dissolved in liquid)
Ground Cumin
1/2 teaspoon
Ground Coriander
1/2 teaspoon
Curry Powder
1/2 teaspoon
Fresh Coriander
2 tablespoons (sliced (optional))
Salt
1 pinch
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden and fragrant.
2
Incorporate minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, curry powder, and a pinch of salt into the skillet with the onions. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to release their aromas.
3
Next, add the peeled and cubed tomatoes, fresh spinach, drained chickpeas, lemon juice, and the vegetable bouillon cube to the skillet. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil for about 3 minutes. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is flavorful and well-blended, ensuring it does not become too thick.
4
While the vegetable mixture is simmering, prepare the couscous according to the package directions, which should take no longer than 5 minutes.
5
To serve, spoon the flavorful vegetable mixture generously over the warm couscous. Optionally, garnish with fresh coriander for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy this hearty yet light meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flavorful Chickpea Spinach Couscous Delight?
It is a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian dish that combines hearty chickpeas, fresh spinach, and tomatoes with a fragrant spice blend served over couscous.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian and can be vegan-friendly as it uses plant-based ingredients and vegetable bouillon.
How long does it take to sauté the onions?
The chopped onions should be sautéed for approximately 10 minutes until they become golden and fragrant.
What spices are used in this recipe?
The dish uses a blend of ground cumin, ground coriander, curry powder, and a pinch of salt.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be peeled and cubed before being added to the skillet.
Can I use canned chickpeas?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for one 15-ounce can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained.
How much spinach is required for this dish?
You will need 1/2 lb of washed fresh spinach.
What type of oil is recommended for cooking?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing the onions.
When do I add the garlic and spices?
Incorporate the minced garlic and spices after the onions have finished sautéing, and cook them together for an additional 2-3 minutes.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe uses the juice squeezed from half of a fresh lemon.
What is the purpose of the vegetable bouillon cube?
The vegetable bouillon cube is dissolved in the mixture to add depth and savory flavor to the vegetable sauce.
How long should the vegetable mixture simmer?
After bringing it to a gentle boil for 3 minutes, the mixture should simmer for approximately 10 minutes.
How long does the couscous take to prepare?
The couscous takes no longer than 5 minutes to prepare following its package directions.
Is this recipe good for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, because it uses quick-cooking couscous and comes together in minutes, it is an ideal weeknight meal.
What can I use as a garnish?
You can optionally garnish the dish with 2 tablespoons of sliced fresh coriander for extra color and flavor.
Is this recipe inspired by a specific cuisine?
Yes, it is inspired by traditional spinach and chickpea curry but adapted into a lighter Mediterranean-style couscous version.
What heat setting should be used for the onions?
The onions should be sautéed over medium heat in a large skillet.
How many onions are required?
The recipe calls for 2 chopped onions.
Should the chickpeas be rinsed?
Yes, the chickpeas should be both rinsed and drained before they are added to the skillet.
What is the step after adding tomatoes and spinach?
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil for about 3 minutes before reducing to a simmer.
Can I add extra vegetables to this dish?
Yes, the recipe is customizable and you can add your favorite vegetables for extra nutrients and color.
What specific brand of couscous is mentioned?
The description mentions using Near East couscous mix.
How much cumin is included in the seasoning?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
How much ground coriander is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander.
What is the quantity of curry powder needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of curry powder.
Should this dish be served warm or cold?
This dish is best served warm, either on its own or with a side salad.
How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?
Stir the mixture occasionally while simmering to ensure the sauce stays well-blended and at the right consistency.
What side dish pairs well with this couscous?
It pairs very well with a fresh Mediterranean salad.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
How do I serve the final dish?
Spoon the flavorful vegetable and chickpea mixture generously over the warm, prepared couscous.