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!
Here’s how to make it:
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.
sue | theviewfromgreatisland says
I think it’s fabulous that you’re a ‘Peppadew’ ambassador! I love those peppers, I can’t get enough, and the color makes such a beautiful statement in this salad ~ love it!!
Jessy @ The Life Jolie says
This looks so vibrant and delicious! This would be a hit in my family!
brandidcrawfordgmailcom says
Yum! This looks and sounds like such a healthy dish!
Basement Bakehouse says
Delicious! Such a colourful and healthy recipe, perfect for meal prepping lunches or light summer dinners! Definitely saving this one for later!
Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy says
I absolutely adore how colorful this is! I haven’t made couscous in ages, but woah! Them peppers are just inviting me in!
Des @ Life's Ambrosia says
This is so lovely! So colorful!
thespeckledpalate says
YUM! This couscous just looks divine, and I love the addition of the peppers! What a fun, fresh twist.
Matthew Cetta says
Ohhhh I love Moroccan flavors!
Shannon Graham says
I’ve never had couscous before. Not sure why but this looks tasty!
Dee says
I haven’t made couscous in so long, but this looks so good, that I’ll have to make it again soon!
Jenni says
Oh my yummy!! I love everything in this meal! Looks SO delicious!
Krista says
This is so pretty! I want to dig into this now!
Colleen Grammer says
Loved this recipe! We excluded the celery salt. My 15-year old had me heat up leftovers so she could take for lunch in a thermos! One question about the recipe – it is not clear if the 1 cup of couscous was to be cooked before starting the recipe. I cooked 1 cup (which made more than 1 cup) and put it in at the end with the peas and spices before adding the vegetable mixture.
Julian says
I didn’t have all the veggies or any chickpeas but I did have all the spices so I tried the recipe anyway and it turned out just fine.
Dee says
Not sure when to add the 1 cup of couscous in which was frustrating so I cooked it separately and allowed the mixture to cook for an extra 25 mins plus or so with the stock and vegetables and seasonings – (also was not clear when to add this so I added it at this part. I then added couscous at the end.
Barbara says
Hi Erren, My husband is not a fan of green peas but he does like snap peas. Can (small cut) snap peas or another veggie substitute for green peas? This is a beautiful, visually appetizing dish, I looking forward to trying it. Thank you, Barbara
Erren says
Hi Barbara, I’m sure you can, but I can’t say the cooking time for them as it would depend on how big they are cut and how tender they are, let me know how it goes!
Shon Mcnair says
Fantastic recipe!
Elsa says
Great recipe! Thank you 🙂
Deborah says
Made this tonight and it was fabulous! Just a bit dry, any suggestions?
Erren says
I’d make a little extra stock and add it at the end to loosen it up. So glad you liked it! I’ve been having it cold lately for lunch. It’s great in warmer weather!
Lisa says
OMG! Sooo tasty! Def be making again!!
Margaret says
Made this and added fresh beetroot chunks and butternut squash,,,yum 😜😜
Erren says
Sounds great! Thanks for letting me know. So glad you enjoyed it!
Dominik says
Just made this in an attempt to get my family back into couscous as we are trying to eat less meat. Worked a treat!
Didn’t have the piquant peppers so threw in a giant banana pepper and habanero fresh from our garden.
Great base to experiment from as well. Next time going to throw in some celery and button mushrooms!
Erren says
Hi Dominik, I’m so glad you enjoyed it and you’ll be adapting it to make again! Thanks so much for the great feedback!
Mrs says
Just cooked this and we loved it! Thanks, bonus being that the leftovers will be fab in pack lunches tomorrow 😀👍
Erren says
So happy to hear it! 😀
Firewife01 says
Delicious!! I would have taken a picture but it was eaten up quickly. So sad I won’t have any leftovers.
Erren says
Don’t blame you one bit! All is forgiven! 😊
Cathi says
Just made this for dinner tonight, looked yummy and sounded tasty. I had pearl couscous in the cupboard and lots of veggies in the fridge. I added celery, purple carrots, red peppers and a zucchini.
I took a photo, not sure how to post it
Thanks for the great recipe!
Erren says
Sounds amazing, Cathi! 🙂
Carol says
This recipe is fabulous! I’ve been trying to cook healthier meals for my family and this is a great addition. Thanks so much for posting the recipe. Unfortunately, I didn’t have all of the ingredients on hand and had to make some substitutions. I used a yellow onion and two shallots instead of the red onion. I also used sweet cherry peppers in place of the picante peppers because that’s what I had in the fridge. It was very tasty even with the substitutions. I can’t wait to make it again with the red onions and picante peppers to see the difference. I am usually not a couscous fan but this recipe has changed my opinion of couscous. Thanks again for the recipe.
Teresa a freis says
I made this last night and my husband and I loved it! It tastes just like a dish we love at Epcot! I added raisins to mine but he left his as is. The only changes I made were veggie broth and celery instead of celery salt. This is being added to our dinner rotation.
Erren says
Awesome, Teresa! I’m so happy you both enjoyed it! 😊
Heather Morrison says
Great recipe! I make this a lot! There used to be a button to swith to metric measurements… That is gone (or at least, I can’t find it). Can you bring this back? Thanks for the recipe!
Erren says
Hi Heather. There was a problem with the conversion software on some of the recipes. It needs to be checked one by one. Unfortunately I can’t turn them on again until I’m sure all the recipes have the correct measurements. I’m working on it though!
Jaimi says
Brennan using your recipe for a couple of years and love it! Can’t seem to find the metric conversion on the updated page, am I missing something?
Erren says
Hi Jaimi, it’s under the ingredients list. So glad you like the recipe!
Vicky Wyld says
Hi from Auckland New Zealand 😎🌍
I just made this recipe for the first time it was delish 😍
Erren says
Wonderful to hear, Vicky!
Sandy Clarkson says
Hi
Was wondering could I make this well ahead of time and freeze it for a Boxing Day buffet .
It looks delicious
Erren's Kitchen says
Hi
Due to the small size of the couscous, I personally wouldn’t freeze as it will probably go mushy.