Mediterranean Couscous & Chickpea Delight
This vibrant Mediterranean Couscous & Chickpea Delight is a refreshing and wholesome one-dish meal that beautifully combines a variety of textures and flavors. Packed with nutritious vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, and the aromatic essence of warm spices like cinnamon and cumin, it’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The crispness of diced apple and cucumber, along with the sweetness of bell pepper and carrots, harmonizes wonderfully, while optional currants or raisins add a hint of sweetness. This salad can be served chilled, making it an ideal dish for meal prep or picnic outings. Easily adaptable for vegetarians with vegetable stock, it’s a delightful addition to any healthy diet.
4
Servings
180
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken Stock or Vegetable Stock
2 cups (Good quality)
Cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon
Ground Ginger
1/2 teaspoon
Ground Cumin
1/2 teaspoon
Turmeric
1/4 teaspoon
Couscous
1 cup
Carrot
1 medium (Cut into 1/4 inch dice)
Red Onion
1 small (Cut into 1/4 inch dice)
Red Bell Pepper
1 small (Cut into 1/4 inch dice)
Cucumber or Zucchini
1 small (Cut into 1/4 inch dice)
Sweet Apple
1 small (Cut into 1/4 inch dice)
Currants or Raisins
1/3 cup (Optional)
Canned Chickpeas
1-2 cups (Rinsed and drained)
Lemon
1/2 (Juiced, fresh)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Bottled Vinaigrette Dressing
To taste (I prefer Greek vinaigrette)
Instructions
1
In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together the chicken or vegetable stock, cinnamon, ginger, cumin, and turmeric over medium heat.
2
Once the mixture is boiling, gradually add the couscous in a slow, steady stream while stirring continuously for about 1 minute.
3
Cover the pot tightly, remove it from heat, and let it sit undisturbed for 15 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the flavorful broth.
4
After 15 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork, then transfer it to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
5
Once cooled, fluff the couscous again, gently breaking up any lumps with your fingers.
6
In the mixing bowl, combine the diced carrot, red onion, red bell pepper, cucumber or zucchini, apple, chickpeas, and optional currants or raisins.
7
Drizzle lemon juice over the mixture and toss gently to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
8
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then add your desired amount of vinaigrette, stirring until everything is well mixed.
9
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 days for flavors to meld.
10
Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or vinaigrette as needed.
Nutrition Information
3
Fat
30
Carbs
7.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Couscous & Chickpea Delight?
It is a refreshing and wholesome one-dish meal that combines various textures and flavors like vegetables, chickpeas, and warm spices.
Is this Mediterranean Couscous recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it is easily adaptable for vegetarians by using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the primary spices used in the dish?
The primary spices are cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cumin, and turmeric.
How do I cook the couscous for this salad?
Boil stock with spices, stir in couscous for 1 minute, cover, remove from heat, and let sit for 15 minutes.
Can I make this dish for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prep as it can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and served chilled.
What vegetables are included in the Mediterranean Couscous?
The recipe includes carrot, red onion, red bell pepper, and cucumber or zucchini.
Is there fruit in this salad?
Yes, the salad features diced sweet apple and optional currants or raisins.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 180 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this meal?
Each serving contains 7.5 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are per serving?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 3 grams of fat per serving.
What type of stock should I use?
You can use 2 cups of either good quality chicken stock or vegetable stock.
Do I need to rinse the chickpeas?
Yes, the canned chickpeas should be rinsed and drained before being added to the salad.
How should I prepare the vegetables?
The carrot, red onion, red bell pepper, and cucumber or zucchini should all be cut into a 1/4 inch dice.
Can I use zucchini instead of cucumber?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 small cucumber or 1 small zucchini.
What is the best way to fluff couscous?
Fluff it first with a fork, then transfer to a bowl and use your fingers to break up any remaining lumps.
What kind of dressing is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe creator prefers using a bottled Greek vinaigrette dressing.
How long should the salad sit before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Does this recipe use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, it uses the juice of 1/2 of a fresh lemon.
Is this dish served warm or cold?
This salad is intended to be served chilled.
What type of apple is recommended for the salad?
The recipe specifies using 1 small sweet apple.
How much cinnamon is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How much turmeric is needed for the broth?
You will need 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric to color and flavor the stock.
Can I add raisins to this dish?
Yes, 1/3 cup of currants or raisins can be added as an optional sweet ingredient.
What type of onion is used in this Mediterranean dish?
The recipe calls for 1 small red onion.
How much salt is used in the base recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt, plus more to taste before serving.
How much ground cumin is included in the spice blend?
There is 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin included in the spice mix.
Can this recipe be taken on a picnic?
Yes, it is described as an ideal dish for picnic outings because it can be served chilled.
What should I do right before serving the salad?
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or vinaigrette as needed.