Spiced Chickpea Couscous Delight
This vibrant Spiced Chickpea Couscous Delight is a versatile dish that makes for an excellent lunch or snack. Packed with protein from chickpeas and a colorful medley of vegetables, it’s a deliciously healthy option suitable for any occasion. Enjoy it hot as a warming meal or cold as a refreshing salad. Perfect for meal prep, it can be conveniently packed for work or school. For an added burst of umami, sprinkle with Braggs before serving. You can also elevate this dish into a hearty main course by incorporating cooked chicken, paired perfectly with a side salad or some steamed vegetables.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
red sweet bell pepper
1/2 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
diced tomatoes with juice
1 cup (none)
canned chickpeas
1 cup (rinsed and drained)
frozen peas
1 cup (none)
frozen corn
1 cup (none)
curry powder
1 teaspoon (none)
cumin
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
red pepper flakes
1 dash (optional)
beef broth or vegetable broth
1 cup (none)
couscous
1 cup (uncooked)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
2
Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
3
Stir in the diced tomatoes, chickpeas, frozen peas, frozen corn, curry powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4
Pour in the broth and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Once boiling, stir in the uncooked couscous. Cover the pot, remove it from heat, and let it sit for 6 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the liquid.
6
After 6 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork and season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately or cool and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for meal prep.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Chickpea Couscous Delight?
It is a vibrant, protein-packed dish featuring chickpeas, a medley of vegetables, and seasoned couscous that can be served hot or cold.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include uncooked couscous, canned chickpeas, frozen peas, frozen corn, red bell pepper, and diced tomatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the recipe is vegetarian-friendly, especially when prepared with vegetable broth.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Absolutely! It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and is easy to pack for work or school.
How long does it take to cook the vegetables?
The onions, peppers, and garlic cook for about 7 minutes, followed by an additional 5 minutes once the other vegetables and spices are added.
Can I serve this dish cold?
Yes, it can be enjoyed as a refreshing cold salad or as a warming hot meal.
What type of broth should I use?
You can use either vegetable broth or beef broth depending on your dietary preferences.
How long should the couscous sit after stirring it in?
The couscous should sit covered off the heat for 6 minutes to allow it to fully absorb the liquid.
What spices give this dish its flavor?
The primary spices used are curry powder and cumin, along with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
How do I fluff the couscous?
Once the couscous has sat for 6 minutes and absorbed the broth, simply use a fork to gently fluff the grains.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you can elevate this into a hearty main course by incorporating cooked chicken.
What can I add for extra umami flavor?
A sprinkle of Braggs before serving provides a great burst of umami.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is high in protein from chickpeas and includes many vegetables, making it a nutritious option.
What type of bell pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 of a red sweet bell pepper, chopped.
Are the chickpeas used fresh or canned?
The recipe uses 1 cup of canned chickpeas that have been rinsed and drained.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can add a dash of red pepper flakes to increase the heat level.
Do I need to cook the peas and corn separately?
No, the frozen peas and frozen corn are added directly to the pot with the other vegetables and spices.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing the vegetables.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Use 1 cup of diced tomatoes and include the juice for added moisture and flavor.
Is this dish low in fat?
Yes, this dish is categorized as low-fat.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
Can I use a different type of onion?
The recipe suggests one medium chopped onion; typically a yellow or white onion works best.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
It can be served as a lunch or snack, or as a main course with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Does the couscous need to be boiled?
The liquid is brought to a boil, then the couscous is stirred in and the pot is removed from the heat to sit.
What size onion is required?
One medium-sized onion is recommended for this recipe.
How much curry powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of curry powder.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, with relatively short sautéing times and a 6-minute rest for the couscous, it is a very quick meal.
Can I use fresh peas and corn instead?
Yes, though the recipe specifically lists frozen, fresh peas and corn can be substituted if available.
How much cumin is needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of cumin.
What should I do if the couscous is too dry?
You can add a small splash of extra broth or a drizzle of olive oil when fluffing with a fork.