This easy one pot recipe for Moroccan Spiced Vegetable Couscous is delicious on its own or makes a flavorful vegetarian side dish.
Don’t you just love a quick and easy dish? I know I do!
Introducing my favorite couscous dish! I’ve posted quite a few couscous recipes over the years and I genuinely love them all, but this recipe is officially my favorite.
This is the most ridiculously simple, side for a mid-week meal that is unbelievably tasty, wonderfully light, and on the table in just 30 minutes.
Couscous is my go-to weeknight staple. It’s super versatile and only needs hot water or stock to make it.
Why This Recipe Works
- The aromatic combination of fragrant spices makes it a dish that’s packed full of flavor.
- It’s a vibrant, healthy dish that’s full of nutritious vegetables and protein-rich chickpeas, making it perfect for a vegetarian meal.
- It’s a one-pot dish that’s simple to prepare.
- It’s a recipe that tastes just as good cold as it does hot making it a truly versatile dish.
What is Couscous?
Couscous is often thought of as a grain, but although it may look like a grain, in reality, couscous is actually pasta. This includes Isrial couscous which is just a larger variety of couscous.
The Key to Perfect Couscous
This may seem like a no-brainer but read the package instructions. Different brands may be some variations on the proportions of liquid to couscous.
If the instructions don’t match the recipe you’re making – go by the package and adjust the recipe accordingly.
Evolving this recipe into the perfect dish:
I’ve been making this dish for a long time and over the years, it’s evolved into a one-pot recipe, but I never updated this post to reflect the changes. I thought it was about time I did!
I used to cook the vegetables, set them aside and cook the couscous in another pot. Then I mixed it together at the end. All that was totally unnecessary. It works even better as a simple one-pan dish.
I can eat a big heaping bowl of this as a meal, but it’s fantastic on the side of a Moroccan Tagine. This recipe is a family favorite and I hope it becomes your go-to couscous recipe, too!
How to Make Moroccan Spiced Vegetable Couscous:
Heat olive oil and add red onions.
Followed by bell pepper.
Add diced carrot.
Cook until soft.
Add the garlic and cook another minute.
Mix in the salt & pepper, paprika, ground coriander, turmeric, celery salt, cumin ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir-fry until fragrant (about a minute).
Add the frozen peas and cook briefly.
Add the piquante peppers (I use Peppadew) and chickpeas.
Pour in the stock.
Stir in the couscous to the hot stock.
Leave to absorb the liquid (off the heat for about 5 minutes).
Fluff before serving.
Serve and enjoy every last bite.
This dish packs up great for lunches, picnics, day trips and so much more.
Bring this delicious dish along to your next potluck—it’s vegan, dairy free, and nut free too so if you have allergies to worry about, this is a good choice many can enjoy.
Cook’s Notes:
- This recipe calls for instant couscous. Instant couscous is cooked by covering it with water and leaving it to sit for 5 minutes.
- Read the package instructions for your couscous. If the directions and measurements, do not match my instructions, just adjust the liquid measurement according to the amount of couscous in the recipe, add the spices and follow then follow the package instructions. Once cooked, add the vegetables and mix to combine.
Cook’s Tips
- Short on time? To speed up the cooking of the onions, peppers, and carrots, add a little water (about a quarter cup) as it cooks to have them sweat instead of sauteing. This really speeds things up. Just be sure to cook out the water before moving onto the next step.
- For a healthier option, use whole-grain couscous. It will give you a boost in dietary fiber.
Variations:
- For a bit of sweetness, try adding raisins or sultanas. They’re both common in Moroccan cooking.
- Mix it up with any of your favorite vegetables or beans.
- For an added crunch and texture, add sliced almonds at the end.
- Add cooked chicken to make this a complete meal for non-vegetarians.
FAQs
How do you safely store leftover couscous?
To avoid bacteria growth, once cooked allow the couscous to cool for at least an hour before refrigerating, but don’t allow it to sit at room temperature longer than two hours.
Store in an airtight container. Once stored in the fridge, leftovers should be eaten within three days.
Can couscous be re-heated?
Pasta and grains, such as couscous and Bulgar wheat, can be eaten hot or cold. There are a few precautions you should take when storing and reheating.
I just adore this recipe and would love to know what you think if you try it. 🙂 And I’d love to know what YOUR couscous secrets are too!
Do you have a secret ingredient or technique for your favorite couscous? Please share in the comments section below!
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Moroccan Spiced Vegetable Couscous
Throw together a deliciously spiced and super healthy dish in no time flat. This recipe is great as a side dish or vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium red onion chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper chopped
- 1 carrot chopped into cubes
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- salt & pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- cayenne pepper optional, to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 14oz can chickpeas drained
- 6 Peppadew Piquante peppers chopped, mild or hot
- 1½ cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
- A good handful fresh parsley chopped
- 1 cup instant couscous
Instructions
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In a medium-size skillet heat the oil over medium heat.
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Add red onion, yellow pepper, and carrot sauté 10-15 minutes or until all the vegetables are your desired tenderness
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Add the garlic, sauté another minute.
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Mix in the salt & pepper, paprika, ground coriander, turmeric, celery salt, cumin ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir-fry until fragrant (about a minute).
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Add the frozen peas and cook briefly. Stir in the piquante peppers and chickpeas. Followed by the stock.
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Add the chopped parsley and stir in the couscous. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Fluff and serve.
Recipe Notes
- This recipe calls for instant couscous. Instant couscous is cooked by covering it with water and leaving it to sit for 5 minutes.
- Read the package instructions for your couscous. If the directions and measurements, do not match my instructions, just adjust the liquid measurement according to the amount of couscous in the recipe, add the spices and follow then follow the package instructions. Once cooked, add the vegetables and mix to combine.
*This is a sponsored content written by me on behalf of Peppadew®. The opinions and text are all mine.*
Update Notes: This post was originally published on: Aug 6, 2018, but was republished with step by step instructions, new photos, tips, FAQs and a video in August of 2018.
Jay says
How is this vegan if you are using chicken stock.
Erren's Kitchen says
Hi Jay, thank you for your question, if you keep reading this recipe gives you a vegan option also so it can be vegan also!
Kavya says
Was finding for couscous veg receipe and tis looks so yummy .Making it for tom lunch
Erren's Kitchen says
I’m glad you think so, Kavya!
Trish says
Just came across your recipe and it looked so good we had to try it for dinner. I didn’t have everything on hand so was forced to make some substitutions. Yellow onions, orange peppers…. We didn’t have peas so I added some yellow squash, which turned out to go great with the spices. I didn’t have stock on hand so I used water and added a package of Goya saffron seasoning. We didn’t have parsley on hand. Even with all the substitutions, this came out absolutely delicious. By chance, everything we added was orange or yellow and it came out looking like sunshine on a plate. Very pretty, though not as pretty as your pictures. My daughters loved it and said that it could be a good substitute for biryani (a family favorite) but lots easier to make. We will most definitely be making this again, probably numerous times. Next time I will plan ahead and get all the proper ingredients. Thank you for the lovely recipe!
Erren's Kitchen says
Thank you, Trish, yours does sound delicious too! I’m glad I could help and your feedback made my day!
Ntombi says
Wooow1 what a receipt it looks niiice
Erren's Kitchen says
Thank you Ntombi!
Sue Brown says
It looks delish. I have one question though. If I serve it hot can it also be frozen then be microwaved to thaw and be reheated? I am thinking about making a double batch.
Erren Hart says
Hi Sue, sorry for the late reply. You can try it, but I think you may end up with mushy couscous cooking it twice. Let me know how it goes if you try it.
Kristina Llewellyn says
I’ve just made it for lunch. Very good meal indeed. My husband was impressed. This one is definitely a keeper. Thank you!!
Erren Hart says
That’s wonderful to hear, Kristina! Thanks for the feedback!