Algerian Vegetable Couscous blends zucchini, carrots, peppers, and sweet potatoes in a spiced broth over couscous, garnished with parsley for a nutritious meal.

Algerian Vegetable Couscous is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines a variety of vegetables with aromatic spices, served over fluffy couscous. This traditional Algerian recipe features a medley of vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes, cooked in a savory broth seasoned with garlic, thyme, cumin, and paprika.

The couscous is steamed to perfection, absorbing the fragrant flavors of the vegetables and spices. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Algerian Vegetable Couscous is a comforting and satisfying meal that showcases the vibrant flavors of Algerian cuisine.

Ingredients:

1- 2 teaspoons olive oil

2- 1 medium onion (chopped)

3- 1 small red bell pepper, cut lengthwise into 2 x 1/4-inch strips

4- 1 small zucchini (halved lengthwise, diagonally sliced)

5- 1 medium carrot (diagonally sliced)

6- 1 medium rib of celery, cut crosswise into thin slices

7- 1 teaspoon minced garlic

8- 2 15.5-ounce cans no-salt-added dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained

9- 1 cup fat-free, low-sodium vegetable broth

10- 1 small sweet potato (peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes)

11- 1 large tomato (diced)

12- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (crumbled)

13- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

14- 1/2 teaspoon paprika

15- 1/2 teaspoon salt

16- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne

17- 1 cup uncooked couscous (whole-wheat)

18- 1/4 cup minced parsley (fresh)

Instructions:

1- In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom.

2- Cook the onion, bell pepper, zucchini, carrot, and celery for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

3- Stir in the garlic. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring occasionally.

4- Stir in the beans, broth, sweet potato, tomato, thyme, cumin, paprika, salt, and cayenne.

5- Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil.

6- Reduce the heat to low. Cook, covered, for 12 to 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

7- Meanwhile, prepare the couscous using the package directions but omitting the salt. Fluff with a fork.

8- Transfer the couscous to serving plates.

9- Spoon the vegetable mixture over the couscous.

10- Sprinkle each serving with parsley.

Note:

1- If you cannot find sheer couscous, you can substitute regular couscous or Israeli couscous. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of couscous you use.

2- You can add vegetables, such as carrots, peas, or chickpeas, to the broth for extra flavor and nutrition.

3- You can also add cooked chicken or lamb to the dish to make it a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts:

The nutrition facts for the sheer couscous recipe with the listed ingredients can vary based on serving size and specific brands used. Here is a general breakdown of the nutritional information for the ingredients:

1. 2 teaspoons olive oil:

• Calories: 80
• Fat: 9 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
•  Protein: 0 grams

benefits: Provides healthy fats and antioxidants.

2. 1 medium onion (chopped):

• Calories: 44
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 10 grams
• Protein: 1 gram

benefits: Contains antioxidants and compounds that may reduce inflammation.

3. 1 small red bell pepper, cut lengthwise into 2 x 1/4-inch strips:

• Calories: 37
• Fat: 0 grams
•  Carbohydrates: 9 grams
•  Protein: 1 gram

benefits: Rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants that support immune health.

4. 1 small zucchini (halved lengthwise, diagonally sliced):

•  Calories: 31
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 6 grams
• Protein: 2 grams

benefits: Low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

5. 1 medium carrot (diagonally sliced):

• Calories: 25
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 6 grams
• Protein: 1 gram

benefits: High in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body.

6. 1 medium rib of celery, cut crosswise into thin slices:

• Calories: 6
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 1 gram
• Protein: 0 grams

benefits: Contains antioxidants and may help lower inflammation and cholesterol.

7. 1 teaspoon minced garlic:

• Calories: 4
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 1 gram
• Protein: 0 grams

benefits: Contains compounds with potential health benefits, including improved heart health.

8. 2 15.5-ounce cans no-salt-added dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained:

• Calories: 616
• Fat: 3 grams
• Carbohydrates: 112 grams
• Protein: 40 grams

benefits: Good source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.

9. 1 cup fat-free, low-sodium vegetable broth:

• Calories: 15
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 3 grams
• Protein: 1 gram

benefits: Low in calories and provides some vitamins and minerals.

10. 1 small sweet potato (peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes):

• Calories: 90
• Fat: 0 grams
•  Carbohydrates: 21 grams
•  Protein: 2 grams

benefits: Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, especially vitamin A.

11. 1 large tomato (diced):

• Calories: 33
•  Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 7 grams
• Protein: 2 grams

benefits: Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of certain diseases.

12. 1 teaspoon dried thyme (crumbled):

• Calories: 3
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 1 gram
• Protein: 0 grams

benefits: Contains compounds with potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

13. 1 teaspoon ground cumin:

• Calories: 8
•  Fat: 1 gram
• Carbohydrates: 1 gram
•  Protein: 0 grams

benefits: Contains antioxidants and may help improve digestion and reduce inflammation.

14. 1/2 teaspoon paprika:

•  Calories: 4
•  Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 1 gram
• Protein: 0 grams

benefits: Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory effects.

15. 1/2 teaspoon salt:

•  Calories: 0
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
• Protein: 0 grams

benefits: Provides sodium, which is essential for fluid balance and nerve function.

16. 1/8 teaspoon cayenne:

• Calories: 1
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates:
• 0 grams
•  Protein: 0 grams

benefits: Contains capsaicin, which may help reduce appetite and boost metabolism.

17. 1 cup uncooked couscous (whole-wheat):

• Calories: 176
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 36 grams
• Protein: 6 grams

benefits: Provides carbohydrates, fiber, and some protein.

18. 1/4 cup minced parsley (fresh):

•  Calories: 4
•   Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 1 gram
• Protein: 0 grams

benefits: Contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants.

Please note that these nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on specific brands, preparation methods, and serving sizes. It is always a good idea to refer to the nutrition labels on the products you use for more accurate information.