Mediterranean Couscous with Roasted Eggplant
Indulge in this vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean Couscous with Roasted Eggplant. This dish combines the rich, smoky flavor of roasted eggplant with the light, fluffy texture of couscous, all infused with aromatic spices. Perfect as a side dish or a main course, it's an excellent choice for a healthy weeknight meal or a delightful addition to your next gathering. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.
N/A
Servings
80
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
shallots or scallions
1 tablespoon (chopped)
onions
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
turmeric
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
eggplant
1 cup (diced)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
water
1 cup
precooked couscous
1 cup
butter
1 tablespoon
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (fresh)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the diced eggplant on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
2
In a large saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and onions, sautéing until translucent and fragrant.
3
Stir in the turmeric and ground coriander, cooking for an additional minute to release the flavors.
4
Add the roasted eggplant to the saucepan, mixing well to combine with the shallots and onions.
5
Pour in 1 cup of water, and once it reaches a boil, stir in the precooked couscous, ensuring it's well-mixed.
6
Cover the saucepan tightly, remove from heat, and allow it to sit for 5 minutes to let the couscous absorb the moisture.
7
After 5 minutes, add the butter and fresh lemon juice to the couscous. Use a fork to fluff and separate the grains, adjusting seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
8
Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
10g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Couscous with Roasted Eggplant?
It is a vibrant dish that combines smoky roasted eggplant with light, fluffy couscous and aromatic spices.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include olive oil, shallots, onions, turmeric, coriander, eggplant, water, precooked couscous, butter, and lemon juice.
How do I roast the eggplant?
Spread diced eggplant on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does the eggplant take to roast?
It takes approximately 20 minutes until the eggplant is tender and slightly caramelized.
What spices are used in this couscous dish?
The recipe uses ground turmeric and ground coriander to infuse the dish with flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, it can be a vegan option by replacing the butter with a plant-based alternative or additional olive oil.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 80 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The dish contains 3g of fat.
How many carbohydrates does it have?
There are 10g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content?
Each serving contains 2g of protein.
How much eggplant is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of diced eggplant.
Can I use scallions instead of shallots?
Yes, you can use 1 tablespoon of either chopped shallots or scallions.
How much turmeric should I add?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of ground turmeric.
What amount of ground coriander is used?
Use 1/4 teaspoon of ground coriander.
What type of couscous is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 1 cup of precooked couscous.
How much water is needed to prepare the couscous?
You will need 1 cup of water.
How long should the couscous sit after being covered?
It should sit covered for 5 minutes to absorb the moisture.
When do I add the lemon juice and butter?
Add the butter and fresh lemon juice after the couscous has finished sitting for 5 minutes.
How do I fluff the couscous?
Use a fork to fluff and separate the grains after adding the butter and lemon juice.
What is the preparation for the onions?
The onions should be finely chopped and sautéed until translucent.
What can I use as a garnish?
Fresh herbs like parsley are recommended for a burst of color and freshness.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it is suitable as either a side dish or a light main course.
How much butter is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of butter.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
What aromatics are sautéed first?
Shallots and onions are sautéed in olive oil until fragrant.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, it is considered a quick dinner and a healthy weeknight meal.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to preheat the oven to 400°F and roast the diced eggplant.
How much olive oil is used for cooking the aromatics?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used to sauté the shallots and onions.