Vibrant Vegetable Couscous with Spiced Sauce
Experience a culinary journey to North Africa with this delightful vegetarian dish, designed for the adventurous eater. This Vibrant Vegetable Couscous features an aromatic blend of perfectly cooked carrots, zucchini, and butternut squash, all delicately infused with warming spices and a hint of saffron. Topped with plump raisins and served over fluffy couscous, this dish is not just a feast for the palate but also a visual delight. Perfect for a shared lunch or as a stunning centerpiece at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to impress both family and friends. Enjoy it garnished with fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor and color.
N/A
Servings
600
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Carrots
3 (Cut into halves lengthwise and then sliced into 3-inch pieces.)
Zucchini
3 (Cut into halves lengthwise and then sliced into 3-inch pieces.)
Butternut Squash
12 ounces (Trimmed, seeds removed, and cut into pieces the same size as carrots.)
Vegetable Stock
5 cups (Used as the base for cooking vegetables.)
Cinnamon Sticks
2 (Broken in half.)
Cumin
2 teaspoons (Ground.)
Ground Coriander
2 teaspoons (Ground.)
Saffron
1 pinch (Soaked in a small amount of warm water, if desired.)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (For cooking.)
Lemon
1 (Juiced and zested.)
Honey
2 tablespoons (Used for sweetness.)
Cooked Couscous
2 1/2 cups (Prepared according to package instructions and reheated.)
Butter
1/4 cup (Softened and mixed into couscous.)
Raisins
1 cup (Added to the stock.)
Cilantro
to garnish (Fresh leaves, chopped.)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your vegetables: cut the carrots and zucchini in half lengthwise, then slice them into 3-inch pieces. For the butternut squash, trim the ends, remove the seeds, and cut it into pieces roughly the same size as the carrots.
2
In a large saucepan, combine the vegetable stock, broken cinnamon sticks, cumin, ground coriander, saffron, and the prepared carrots. Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir in the olive oil. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, making sure to skim off any froth that forms on the surface.
3
Next, add the lemon zest and juice, honey, zucchini, and butternut squash to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then bring it back to a boil and cook for an additional 10 minutes until all the vegetables are tender.
4
While the vegetables are cooking, reheat the cooked couscous in a separate pot, mixing in the softened butter until evenly incorporated.
5
To serve, create a mound of the buttery couscous on a large serving platter. Carefully drain the vegetables from the stock, then arrange them artistically on top of the couscous. Remove the cinnamon sticks from the cooking liquid, stir in the raisins, and drizzle this fragrant stock over the dish.
6
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving to add a vibrant pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
98g
Carbs
9g
Protein
20g
Fiber
20g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vibrant Vegetable Couscous with Spiced Sauce?
It is a North African-inspired vegetarian dish featuring a mix of carrots, zucchini, and butternut squash served over buttery couscous with a fragrant, spiced sauce.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses vegetable stock and plant-based ingredients, although it does contain butter and honey.
What are the primary vegetables used in this dish?
The primary vegetables used are carrots, zucchini, and butternut squash.
What spices give the sauce its North African flavor?
The flavor comes from a blend of cinnamon sticks, cumin, ground coriander, and a pinch of saffron.
How should the carrots and zucchini be prepared?
They should be cut in half lengthwise and then sliced into pieces approximately 3 inches long.
How do I prepare the butternut squash?
Trim the ends, remove the seeds, and cut the squash into pieces roughly the same size as the prepared carrots.
How long do the carrots need to cook initially?
The carrots should be simmered in the spiced vegetable stock for about 15 minutes before adding other vegetables.
What is the purpose of the saffron in this recipe?
Saffron is used to provide a delicate aromatic flavor and a vibrant yellow color to the sauce.
How is the couscous prepared for serving?
Use 2 1/2 cups of cooked couscous, reheat it, and mix in 1/4 cup of softened butter until it is fluffy and well-incorporated.
When should the raisins be added?
The raisins are stirred into the fragrant cooking liquid after the vegetables have been removed and before drizzling the sauce over the dish.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
One serving of this Vibrant Vegetable Couscous contains approximately 600 calories.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, this dish is very high in fiber, providing 20g per serving.
How much protein is in this vegetable couscous?
This recipe contains 9g of protein per serving.
What is the sugar content of this recipe?
The recipe contains 20g of sugar, largely from the honey and raisins.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 98g of carbohydrates in one serving of this dish.
Is honey used in the spiced sauce?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of honey are added to the sauce to provide a touch of sweetness.
What should I use for a garnish?
Garnish the final dish with fresh, chopped cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
What type of stock is recommended?
The recipe calls for 5 cups of vegetable stock as the liquid base.
Do I need to peel the lemon?
The recipe uses both the juice and the zest of one lemon for acidity and brightness.
What should I do if froth forms on the stock while boiling?
You should skim off any froth that forms on the surface of the saucepan while the carrots are cooking.
When do I add the zucchini and butternut squash?
Add the zucchini and butternut squash after the carrots have cooked for 15 minutes, then cook for another 10 minutes.
Are the cinnamon sticks left in the dish?
No, the cinnamon sticks should be removed from the cooking liquid before serving.
How is the dish plated?
Create a mound of couscous on a platter, arrange the drained vegetables on top, and then drizzle the raisin-infused stock over it.
Is olive oil used in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil are stirred into the boiling stock mixture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients listed for this Vibrant Vegetable Couscous.
What makes this dish look 'vibrant'?
The combination of orange carrots and squash, green zucchini, yellow saffron-infused sauce, and green cilantro garnish creates a visual feast.
Is this dish suitable for a lunch gathering?
Yes, it is tagged as a perfect option for lunch or as a centerpiece for gatherings.
What is the preparation time for the vegetables?
While total time varies, the carrots cook for 15 minutes followed by 10 minutes for the remaining vegetables.
Can I use ground cinnamon instead of sticks?
The recipe specifies broken cinnamon sticks for a subtler infusion, but ground cinnamon could be used in smaller quantities if necessary.
Is the couscous cooked in the vegetable stock?
No, the couscous is prepared separately according to package instructions and then reheated with butter.