Mediterranean Veggie Couscous Delight
This vibrant Mediterranean Veggie Couscous Delight is a nutritious and visually appealing one-dish meal that comes together in just minutes with the help of your microwave. Loaded with colorful vegetables, protein-packed couscous, and a hint of zesty lemon, it’s perfect for busy empty nesters looking for a quick yet satisfying meal. With its combination of flavors and textures, this dish will not only nourish your body but also delight your taste buds, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch or dinner.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup (none)
Carrot
1/4 cup (thinly sliced)
Red pepper
1/4 cup (chopped)
Onion powder
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Bottled hot pepper sauce
1 dash (none)
Spinach
1/2 cup (coarsely chopped)
Quick-cooking couscous
1/3 cup (none)
Lemon juice
1 teaspoon (none)
Cherry tomatoes
6 (quartered)
Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (finely shredded)
Dried cilantro
1 teaspoon (none)
Mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
In a 1-quart microwave-safe casserole, combine the reduced-sodium chicken broth, thinly sliced carrots, chopped red pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and a dash of hot pepper sauce.
2
Cover the dish and microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the carrots are tender, stirring halfway through the cooking time.
3
Next, stir in the coarsely chopped spinach, quick-cooking couscous, and lemon juice until well combined.
4
Cover the casserole again and microwave on high for an additional 1 to 1.5 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and the couscous has absorbed all the liquid.
5
Remove from the microwave and gently fold in the quartered cherry tomatoes, finely shredded Parmesan cheese, and dried cilantro.
6
Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, cover, and let the dish stand for 1 minute to allow the cheese to melt.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Veggie Couscous Delight?
It is a vibrant, nutritious one-dish meal made with couscous, colorful vegetables, and Mediterranean flavors, prepared entirely in the microwave.
Is Mediterranean Veggie Couscous Delight vegetarian?
The recipe calls for chicken broth, but you can easily make it vegetarian by substituting it with vegetable broth.
How long does it take to cook this recipe?
The total microwave cooking time is approximately 4 to 5 minutes, plus 1 minute of standing time.
What type of couscous is required?
You should use quick-cooking couscous to ensure it absorbs the liquid properly during the short microwave intervals.
Can I make this in a standard oven?
This specific recipe is optimized for the microwave, but it could be adapted for the stovetop by boiling the broth and vegetables before adding the couscous.
What vegetables are included in this dish?
The recipe features carrots, red bell peppers, spinach, and cherry tomatoes.
Why is onion powder used instead of fresh onions?
Onion powder provides a quick way to add flavor without the extra cooking time needed to soften fresh onions in the microwave.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
It is recommended to peel them if desired, but the most important part is to slice them thinly so they become tender quickly.
What size microwave-safe dish should I use?
A 1-quart microwave-safe casserole dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
Is the hot pepper sauce necessary?
No, the hot pepper sauce is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I use fresh cilantro instead of dried?
Yes, fresh cilantro can be used as a substitute; use about a tablespoon of fresh for every teaspoon of dried.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The dish uses a combination of finely shredded Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese.
How do I know when the couscous is ready?
The couscous is ready when it has absorbed all the liquid and becomes tender, which usually happens after the second microwave stint.
Can I substitute the lemon juice?
You can use lime juice or a small amount of white wine vinegar as a substitute for the zesty lemon flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for empty nesters?
Yes, it is designed for busy individuals or empty nesters looking for a quick, healthy, and satisfying single-serving or small meal.
What is the purpose of letting the dish stand for 1 minute?
Standing time allows the residual heat to melt the mozzarella cheese and finish hydrating the couscous evenly.
Can I add extra protein to this meal?
Yes, you can easily add cooked chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp to increase the protein content.
How should I prepare the cherry tomatoes?
The cherry tomatoes should be quartered before being folded into the couscous.
Is this dish gluten-free?
No, couscous is made from semolina wheat. To make it gluten-free, you could substitute it with quinoa (though cooking times will vary).
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but ensure it is thawed and squeezed dry before adding it to avoid making the dish too watery.
How do I prevent the carrots from being crunchy?
Ensure they are sliced very thinly and stirred halfway through the first microwave session.
What if I don't have red pepper?
You can substitute it with yellow or orange bell peppers, or even chopped zucchini.
Is the Parmesan cheese mixed in or just a topping?
The Parmesan is folded into the mixture along with the tomatoes and cilantro before adding the mozzarella on top.
Can I use low-sodium broth?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends reduced-sodium chicken broth to keep the meal healthy.
Does this recipe store well as leftovers?
Yes, it can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days and reheated in the microwave.
Is there a substitute for garlic powder?
You can use one small clove of finely minced fresh garlic if you prefer.
What makes this 'Mediterranean'?
The use of ingredients like lemon juice, spinach, tomatoes, Parmesan, and couscous gives it a classic Mediterranean profile.
Can I add olives to this recipe?
Sliced kalamata or black olives would be an excellent addition to enhance the Mediterranean flavor.
Is this dish high in calories?
While specific nutritional data isn't provided, the ingredients are generally low-calorie and nutrient-dense, making it a healthy choice.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but you may need to increase the microwave cooking times and use a larger microwave-safe bowl.