Saffron-Spiced Couscous with Prawns and Tofu
Discover the vibrant flavors of North Africa with this delightful Saffron-Spiced Couscous featuring succulent prawns or tofu, perfectly infused with aromatic spices. This colorful dish assembles a variety of textures and tastes, marrying the nuttiness of couscous with the sweetness of sautéed bell peppers, peas, and the crunch of toasted almonds. Ideal for family gatherings or dinner parties, this recipe serves 4-6 and is both visually stunning and satisfying. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh parsley and zesty lemon wedges for a refreshing finish.
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (None)
Red bell pepper
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Scallions
4 (Chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (Minced)
Coriander
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Cayenne pepper
1 pinch (None)
Vegetable stock
2 cups (Hot)
Prawns
225 g (Shelled pre-cooked or substitute with tofu)
Tofu
250 g (Cubed (if using instead of prawns))
Peas
1 cup (Fresh or frozen)
Couscous
1 cup (None)
Butter
1 tablespoon (Or margarine)
Almonds
100 g (Flaked and toasted)
Salt
To taste (None)
Pepper
To taste (None)
Parsley
Fresh, for garnish (Chopped)
Lemon wedges
For serving (Cut into wedges)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped red bell peppers, scallions, and minced garlic, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2
Stir in the ground coriander, turmeric, and a pinch of cayenne pepper, cooking for an additional minute to release the spices' aromas.
3
Pour in the hot vegetable stock, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the shelled prawns or cubed tofu, cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until the prawns turn pink or the tofu is heated through.
4
Mix in the peas and allow them to cook for about 1 minute, then quickly stir in the couscous and butter or margarine. Cover the saucepan, remove it from heat, and let it stand for 5 minutes to steam.
5
Uncover the pan, and using a fork, gently fluff the couscous to break up any lumps, ensuring a light and airy texture.
6
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the couscous to a platter, and generously top with toasted almonds, freshly chopped parsley, and lemon wedges before serving.
Nutrition Information
4 g
Fat
7 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Saffron-Spiced Couscous with Prawns and Tofu?
It is a North African-inspired dish featuring couscous, succulent prawns or tofu, and aromatic spices like turmeric and coriander.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve between 4 and 6 people.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the prawns with 250g of cubed tofu.
What are the primary spices used in this couscous dish?
The dish is seasoned with ground coriander, turmeric, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
The chopped red bell peppers, scallions, and garlic should be sautéed for approximately 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
What type of stock is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of hot vegetable stock.
How should the prawns be prepared?
The recipe uses 225g of shelled prawns, which can be pre-cooked.
How do I cook the tofu if using it as a substitute?
Add the cubed tofu to the simmering vegetable stock and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through.
When do I add the peas to the mixture?
Stir in the peas after the prawns or tofu have cooked for a few minutes, allowing them to cook for about 1 minute before adding the couscous.
What is the cooking method for the couscous?
Stir the couscous into the hot liquid, cover the pan, remove from heat, and let it stand for 5 minutes to steam.
How do I prevent the couscous from being lumpy?
After steaming, use a fork to gently fluff the couscous, which helps break up any lumps and creates a light texture.
What kind of almonds are used for the topping?
The recipe suggests using 100g of flaked and toasted almonds for added crunch.
What garnishes should I use for serving?
Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with zesty lemon wedges.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and nutritious, with 120 calories and 7g of protein per serving.
Can I use frozen peas?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen peas for this recipe.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 120 calories per serving according to the provided nutritional data.
How much fat is in this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 4g of fat.
Is there a substitute for butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter when mixing in the couscous.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
What type of bell pepper is best?
The recipe specifically calls for red bell pepper, using about 1/2 cup chopped.
Does the recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to taste before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Absolutely, its vibrant colors and aromatic flavors make it an ideal choice for dinner parties or family gatherings.
What is the role of turmeric in this dish?
Turmeric provides an earthy flavor and a vibrant yellow color, characteristic of saffron-style dishes.
Can I use different types of oil?
While the recipe calls for vegetable oil, you can use other neutral oils for sautéing the vegetables.
How many scallions are needed?
You will need 4 chopped scallions.
What is the total number of ingredients?
This recipe utilizes 18 distinct ingredients.
Should the vegetable stock be cold?
No, the vegetable stock should be hot when added to the saucepan.
Can I make this dish spicy?
The recipe includes a pinch of cayenne pepper, but you can increase this amount if you prefer a spicier flavor.
How do I prepare the parsley?
The fresh parsley should be chopped and used as a garnish over the finished dish.
Is this a traditional North African recipe?
It is a fusion dish that incorporates North African flavors and ingredients like couscous and aromatic spices.