Braised Vegetables With Couscous
A hearty and flavorful vegetable dish featuring tender braised vegetables and fluffy couscous, perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or light lunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a nonstick Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil.
- Add sliced onions, carrots, celery, and zucchini.
- Cook over high heat, stirring frequently until onions are lightly browned.
- Add 3 cups water, chickpeas, bouillon, cumin, and dash of pepper.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes or until carrots are tender.
- Meanwhile, cook uncooked couscous according to package instructions.
- Serve the braised vegetables over couscous.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or bell peppers to the vegetable mix. You can substitute vegetable bouillon with homemade vegetable stock for a fresher taste. If you want to add protein, try incorporating cooked quinoa or lentils instead of couscous. Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste, adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the braised vegetables over the fluffy couscous, and drizzle with olive oil for added richness. This dish pairs beautifully with String Beans With Oil or a side of Dilled Tomato Slices for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, add a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to moisten, or microwave in a covered dish until heated through. This dish can also be enjoyed cold as a salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Braised Vegetables With Couscous contains roughly 657 calories, with 15g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (231% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (74% of the Daily Value), and iron (44% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 851mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the braised vegetables in advance. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cook the couscous fresh before serving for the best texture.
What can I substitute for couscous?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, quinoa is a great substitute for couscous. You can also use rice or bulgur wheat depending on your preference. Just adjust the cooking time to match the grain you choose.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is excellent for meal prep as it stores well and can be easily reheated. Just separate the vegetables and couscous into individual containers to make your meals ready for the week.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).