Are you looking for a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy dinner recipe? Look no further! This Vegetable Pearl Couscous is packed with vibrant vegetables, fluffy pearl couscous, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing. It's the perfect quick dinner idea for busy weeknights, and it's so flavorful, everyone will love it. This homemade cooking masterpiece is a testament to how simple it can be to create healthy meals that are both satisfying and bursting with flavor. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into this amazing recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pearl couscous
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped zucchini
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Cook the Couscous: Bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add the pearl couscous, stir, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the couscous is tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: While the couscous is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion and bell peppers and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until slightly softened. Then, add the broccoli and zucchini and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until tender-crisp.
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Combine and Season: Add the cooked couscous to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Gently toss to combine everything evenly.
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Add Herbs and Serve: Stir in the fresh parsley and mint. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious and healthy meal!
Cooking Tips for the Best Vegetable Pearl Couscous:
- Don't overcook the vegetables: You want them to be tender-crisp, not mushy. Adjust cooking time depending on the size of your vegetables.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add a vibrant flavor and aroma that you won't get from dried herbs.
- Customize your vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as carrots, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Add protein: For a more complete meal, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta cheese.
Variations:
- Spicy Pearl Couscous: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Mediterranean Pearl Couscous: Add crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
- Lemon Herb Vinaigrette: Instead of mixing the lemon juice and herbs directly into the couscous, create a separate vinaigrette by whisking together the lemon juice, olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper. Dress the couscous just before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a great source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins. The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Consider using a nutrition calculator for a more precise analysis.
This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a healthy lunch, or even a side dish at a potluck. Its versatility and delicious flavors make it a go-to recipe in our household, and we hope it becomes one of your favorites too! Enjoy!