Discover the ultimate couscous recipe! This flavorful dish features perfectly steamed semolina served with tender meat and a medley of fresh vegetables. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, our couscous recipe combines traditional techniques with easy-to-follow instructions to create a satisfying and nutritious meal. Perfect for those looking to explore Mediterranean cuisine or enjoy a hearty, wholesome dish.

Ingredients:

- 1 ½ cups couscous

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 pound meat (lamb, chicken, or beef), cut into cubes

- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

- 1 cup carrots, diced

- 1 cup zucchini, diced

- 1 cup chickpeas (canned or cooked)

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Couscous:

  - In a large bowl, place the couscous and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss to coat.

  - Add 1 ½ cups boiling water or broth to the couscous, cover, and let it steam for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Cook the Meat:

  - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.

  - Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.

  - Add the meat cubes and cook until browned on all sides.

  - Stir in the cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.

Add Vegetables and Broth:

  - Add the diced carrots, zucchini, and chickpeas to the meat mixture.

  - Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the meat is tender and vegetables are cooked through.

Combine and Serve:

  - Gently fold the cooked couscous into the meat and vegetable mixture.

  - Adjust seasoning if needed.

  - Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

Enjoy your homemade couscous as a delicious and satisfying meal!

Nutritional Values

Couscous:

 - Calories: 176

 - Protein: 6 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 36 grams

 - Fiber: 2 grams

 - Fat: 0.3 grams

Benefits:

 - Couscous is a good source of carbohydrates for energy.

 - It contains selenium, which is important for immune function and thyroid health.

Olive Oil:

 - Calories: 119

 - Protein: 0 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

 - Fiber: 0 grams

 - Fat: 14 grams (of which 2 grams are saturated)

Benefits:

 - Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats that support heart health.

 - It contains antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

Onion:

 - Calories: 44

 - Protein: 1 gram

 - Carbohydrates: 10 grams

 - Fiber: 1.9 grams

 - Fat: 0.1 grams

Benefits:

 - Onions are high in antioxidants and sulfur compounds, which can help reduce inflammation and support heart health.

 - They contain prebiotics that promote digestive health.

Garlic:

 - Calories: 4

 - Protein: 0.2 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

 - Fiber: 0.1 grams

 - Fat: 0 grams

Benefits:

 - Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties.

 - It is known to support cardiovascular health and boost the immune system.

Meat (Lamb, Chicken, or Beef):

Lamb:

  - Calories: 250

  - Protein: 25 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Fat: 17 grams

Chicken:

  - Calories: 165

  - Protein: 31 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Fat: 3.6 grams

Beef:

  - Calories: 250

  - Protein: 26 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Fat: 17 grams

Benefits:

 - Meat is a great source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

 - It supports muscle growth and repair, as well as overall health.

Vegetable or Chicken Broth:

Vegetable Broth:

  - Calories: 12

  - Protein: 1 gram

  - Carbohydrates: 2 grams

  - Fat: 0 grams

Chicken Broth:

  - Calories: 15

  - Protein: 1 gram

  - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

  - Fat: 0 grams

Benefits:

 - Broths provide a flavorful base while being low in calories.

 - They contain vitamins and minerals from the vegetables or chicken used in their preparation.

Carrots:

 - Calories: 52

 - Protein: 1 gram

 - Carbohydrates: 12 grams

 - Fiber: 3.5 grams

 - Fat: 0.3 grams

Benefits:

 - Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, supporting eye health.

 - They also provide antioxidants and fiber.

Zucchini:

 - Calories: 21

 - Protein: 2 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 4 grams

 - Fiber: 1 gram

 - Fat: 0.4 grams

Benefits:

 - Zucchini is low in calories and high in water content, making it great for hydration.

 - It provides vitamins C and A, as well as antioxidants.

Chickpeas:

 - Calories: 269

 - Protein: 15 grams

 - Carbohydrates: 45 grams

 - Fiber: 12 grams

 - Fat: 4 grams

Benefits:

 - Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber.

 - They help with digestion and can support heart health.

Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Paprika):

Cumin:

  - Calories: 8

  - Protein: 0.4 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

  - Fat: 0.4 grams

Coriander:

  - Calories: 6

  - Protein: 0.2 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

  - Fat: 0.2 grams

Paprika:

  - Calories: 6

  - Protein: 0.3 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

  - Fat: 0.3 grams

Benefits:

 - These spices are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.

 - They add flavor without extra calories and contribute to overall health.

Fresh Parsley or Cilantro:

Parsley:

  - Calories: 1

  - Protein: 0.1 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 0.3 grams

  - Fiber: 0.1 grams

Cilantro:

  - Calories: 1

  - Protein: 0.1 grams

  - Carbohydrates: 0.1 grams

  - Fiber: 0.1 grams

Benefits:

 - Both parsley and cilantro are rich in vitamins A, C, and K.

 - They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

These ingredients together create a nutritious and well-balanced meal, providing a range of essential nutrients and health benefits.