Master How to Make Moroccan Couscous with Roasted Veggies in 30 Minutes! Recipe
This Moroccan Couscous with Roasted Veggies is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for a quick and nutritious meal. It features a medley of seasoned roasted vegetables served over light and fluffy couscous, infused with warm spices like cumin and smoked paprika. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe makes a wholesome, vegetarian option that can be customized further with optional add-ins like chickpeas or garnished with fresh herbs.
- Author: Hannah
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Moroccan
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Couscous
- 1 cup Couscous (Quinoa can be used as a gluten-free substitute)
- 1 cup Vegetable Broth (can be replaced with water)
For the Roasted Vegetables
- 1 medium Zucchini (Yellow squash works as an excellent alternative)
- 2 medium Bell Peppers (various colors; any bell pepper works or opt for shredded carrots)
- 1 medium Eggplant (Mushrooms can be used as a tasty substitute)
- 1 medium Carrot
- 1 medium Red Onion (Yellow onion is a suitable alternative)
For the Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Avocado oil can be used if desired)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Coriander (Alternatively, fresh cilantro)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (Regular paprika can be used but will miss the smoky flavor)
- Salt & Pepper to taste (Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper recommended)
For Garnish
- Fresh Parsley or Cilantro to taste (Mint can be a delightful substitution)
Optional Add-ins
- 1 can Chickpeas (to elevate the dish)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the vegetables.
- Chop Vegetables: Chop all your vegetables—zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, carrot, and red onion—into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Season Vegetables: Toss the chopped vegetables with olive oil, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet to coat them well with the spices.
- Roast Vegetables: Roast the seasoned vegetables in the oven for 20-25 minutes until they are tender and nicely browned, stirring halfway through the cooking time for even roasting.
- Prepare Couscous: Bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan, add a pinch of salt, then stir in the couscous. Cover the pan and let it sit off the heat for approximately 5 minutes to absorb the liquid.
- Fluff Couscous: Gently fluff the cooked couscous with a fork to separate the grains and prevent clumping.
- Combine and Serve: Combine the roasted vegetables with the fluffy couscous in a large mixing bowl. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro.
Notes
- For a deliciously rich twist, you can add a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese.
- Quinoa can be used as a gluten-free substitute for couscous.
- Feel free to add a can of chickpeas to increase protein and texture.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your spice preference.
- Use fresh herbs like mint or cilantro based on your taste.
Keywords: Moroccan couscous, roasted vegetables, vegetarian couscous, quick couscous recipe, healthy couscous, easy Moroccan recipe