Recipe

Easy Couscous Meals Like You've Never Had Before

Source : savoryful

Couscous is a versatile food that has been a staple in North African cuisine for centuries. Renowned for its versatility and quick cooking time, couscous has found its way onto tables on various continents, embraced by diverse cultures.

It has become a staple in many households and is often featured in salads, side dishes, and innovative main courses. Here are 20 such couscous meals that are easy to prepare so you will able to prepare delicacies using this gluten-free ingredient.

1. Coconut Prawn Curry with Couscous

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The couscous in this recipe is cooked in the creamy sweetness of coconut milk. The prawn cooked with a blend of spices absorbs coconut milk and comes out tender and juicy. Prawn Coconut Curry is a beloved choice for those who crave a delightful fusion of seafood and vibrant Southeast Asian flavors.

The couscous serves as a neutral yet perfectly textured base, allowing it to absorb the aromatic coconut curry. This twist not only adds a global dimension to the couscous but also creates a delightful contrast to the usual savory or herbed preparations.

Also read: 20 Different Types Of Grains And Their Health Benefits

2. Ratatouille Couscous With Balsamic Glaze

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Ratatouille is the name given to classic French Provençal vegetable stew or casserole. This flavorful dish is known for its vibrant and colorful presentation as well as its use of a variety of fresh vegetables.

The vibrant flavors of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes are all slow-cooked with aromatic herbs that elevate the taste of couscous. The burst of colors from these vegetables is enhanced by the finishing touch of balsamic glaze.

The earthy richness of slow-cooked vegetables in Ratatouille along with the light and fluffy texture of couscous makes this a filling and delicious meal. The flavors are further accentuated by the sweet and tangy notes of balsamic glaze.

3. Cranberry Almond Couscous Pilaf

Source : theblackpeppercorn

Pilaf, from the Middle East and Central Asia, involves cooking grains in a seasoned broth or stock, often infused with herbs and spices. The preparation of Cranberry Almond Couscous Pilaf starts with simmering the couscous in a flavorful broth such as vegetable or chicken broth.

The addition of toasted almonds brings a satisfying crunch to the pilaf. The cranberries that are incorporated in the warmth of pilaf, bursting with tartness, add a burst of vibrant color and a delightful sweetness. This is a visually appealing side dish and a versatile and memorable addition to any table.

4. Truffle Couscous with Grilled Chicken

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Truffle couscous typically involves combining couscous with truffle-infused ingredients or truffle oil during the cooking process. This process of preparation of couscous imparts a rich, savory, and slightly nutty flavor to the couscous.

The delicately cooked couscous with the distinct aroma of truffles when paired with grilled chicken makes a delightful creation. On each bite, the grilled chicken adds smokiness and natural juices. The dish not only satisfies the palate with its decadent elements but also presents a visually appealing masterpiece.

5. Goat Cheese and Couscous Stuffed Peppers

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If you want to try something creative then you may transform humble and nutritious bell peppers into elegant, flavor-packed delights. The sweetness of roasted bell peppers in this dish goes perfectly well with a filling of couscous and creamy goat cheese.

The stuffing mix is infused with aromatic herbs and spices before filling the peppers. As the peppers bake, the ingredients meld together and come out visually stunning, a gourmet adventure worth savoring. 

6. Couscous Risotto

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Replace arborio rice with couscous, the low-calorie alternative, and a lighter risotto is ready. The couscous absorbs the savory broth and gets infused with the aroma of herbs and spices. You can add a medley of vegetables of your choice such as diced tomatoes, peas, or spinach. Topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan or crumbled feta for added richness, couscous risotto offers a satisfying and well-balanced meal that is both easy to prepare and something extra from the ordinary.

7. Black Bean Couscous Salad

Source : healthyheartyrecipes

The addition of black beans to your usual couscous salad comes with added flavor and protein and hearty texture. The dish comes out perfectly filling as it brings together protein and complex carbohydrates.

Add a variety of colorful vegetables and dress the salad with a zesty vinaigrette for refreshing and tangy notes. Overall, this salad offers different textures, with the light and fluffy couscous providing a perfect backdrop for the hearty black beans.

8. Pineapple, Avocado & Couscous Salad with Fish Fillets

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If you are looking for a burst of flavor in your couscous salad, the Pineapple, Avocado & Couscous Salad with Fish Fillets is a feasible choice. This vibrant and nutritious dish combines the succulence of fish fillets with a medley of tropical ingredients.

The sweet and tangy notes of pineapple complement the creamy and buttery texture of ripe avocado over the base of neutral couscous. Fish fillets are added to enhance the richness of the salad and are a protein source packed with healthy fats. The blend of all the ingredients in the salad makes it a wholesome and well-balanced meal.

9. Vegan Couscous Burrito

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Wrapped in a warm tortilla, the couscous burritos are creative as well as easy to make dish. The cooked couscous and stirred vegetables can be seasoned perfectly to make delicious burritos.

Also, mash the avocado and spread it onto the tortilla before adding the couscous. You can add your preferred kind of vegan protein-rich ingredients such as tofu to the burrito for a whole meal experience. 

Related: 20 Best Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes That Will Impress Your Guests

10. Carrot Cake Couscous Breakfast Porridge

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For a morning meal, you can bring the comforting flavors of carrot cake to your breakfast bowl. The couscous creates the base of the porridge in which freshly grated carrots are added. The carrots add a natural sweetness and contribute a subtle earthiness to the dish.

Add raisins for a chewy texture and an aromatic blend such as cinnamon and nutmeg for added warmth which resembles beloved spices in carrot cake. Sweetened with maple syrup, this breakfast treat strikes a perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent.

You may also like: 20 Delicious Mediterranean Diet Breakfast Ideas

11. Sun-Dried Tomato Couscous Salad With Tuna

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The Sun-Dried Tomato Couscous Salad with Tuna draws its flavors from a Mediterranean-inspired palette. The rich, sweet-tart intensity provided by the sun-dried tomatoes to the dish is a characteristic of Mediterranean cuisine. 

Typically, flaked tuna is employed in this salad for its tender and moist texture and it pairs well with the sweet-tart intensity of sun-dried tomatoes and the freshness of vegetables. For Mediterranean-influenced dressing, make a dressing combining ingredients like olive oil, balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard.

12. Moroccan Couscous Cakes

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Moroccan spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika are used to prepare these couscous cakes. Couscous itself is a significant component of Moroccan cuisine and is often used as a base for the cake. The cooked couscous is combined with ingredients such as finely chopped onions, garlic and bell peppers which are staples in Moroccan cooking. 

The combined ingredients are often bound together with a binding agent like egg or flaxseed to form patties. Once the mixture is shaped into cakes, they are pan-fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside while maintaining a tender interior.

13. Feta, Pea & Mint Couscous Muffins

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The couscous muffins are less of a meal and more of a snack. The addition of feta in the muffins adds creaminess to each bite and crumbled feta cheese is added along with the cheese and chopped mint in the batter.

Peas here add a natural sweetness to the muffin and the herbal freshness of the mint takes the muffin to the next level. The combination of these ingredients results in muffins that are savory, slightly sweet, and herb-infused and varying textures make every bite satisfying.

14. Chicken Couscous Soup

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For a chilly day, there's nothing quite as comforting and warming as a steaming bowl of Chicken Couscous Soup. The tender pieces of chicken, fluffy couscous, and a medley of vegetables come together in a savory broth making this soup a heartwarming choice.

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the protein. Bring all the ingredients together in a broth(preferably chicken broth) and season it with your favorites. The soup can be served with crusty bread or a warm baguette, salads or some roasted vegetables.

15. One Pot Couscous Chicken with Bacon and Corn

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For a busy day when time is of the essence, the One Pot Couscous Chicken with Bacon and Corn emerges as a lifesaver. For preparation, bring together browned chicken, crispy bacon, sautéed vegetables, corn kernels and couscous in a broth. Let the pot simmer over medium heat until the chicken is fully cooked. 

This dish offers a delightful combination of succulent chicken, smoky bacon, sweet corn, and light and fluffy couscous. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese over the finished dish to provide a savory and umami kick and a pinch of red pepper flakes to spice things up.

You may also like: Mouth-Watering Slow Cooker Chicken Thigh Recipes

16. Moroccan Lentil Meatballs with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Source : dishingouthealth

Moroccan Lentil Meatballs with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the earthy taste of lentils with the aromatic spices of Moroccan cuisine. These vegetarian meatballs are rich in protein, packed with savory spices, and complemented by a luscious roasted red pepper sauce.

When served with herbed couscous, which typically includes fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, a beautiful combination of herbaceous, savory, and slightly sweet flavors occurs. To serve, arrange a portion of the herbed couscous on the plate, top it with Moroccan Lentil Meatballs, and generously ladle the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce over the meatballs.

17. Spanish Couscous with Aromatic Vegetables

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The flavors, ingredients, and culinary influences characteristic of Spanish cuisine are incorporated in this recipe. The preparation involves the use of smoked paprika, saffron, olive oil, fresh herbs and aromatic vegetables(frequently used in Spanish stews and paellas) which contribute to the overall Spanish flavor profile.

18. Cheesy Couscous Bites with Tomato Dip

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Another snack or a side dish for a mid-day meal to munch on, these bites represent the ability of couscous to take on diverse forms. The ingenuity lies in combining cooked couscous with shredded cheese which is then shaped into bite-sized portions. 

Baking these morsels creates a crispy exterior that contrasts with the gooey and cheesy interior. When paired with the tangy and refreshing tomato dip, the bites serve as a simple yet irresistible treat. 

19. Moroccan Lamb Couscous

Source : deliciousmagazine

Moroccan Lamb Couscous is a culinary masterpiece and reflects the flavors of North African cuisine. The key to its authenticity lies in the carefully crafted spice blend, often featuring cumin, coriander, cinnamon and paprika, which imparts a warm and exotic taste to the lamb.

The slow-cooked lamb in a mixture of spices results in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. An array of colorful vegetables can be added for added depth to the dish. The neutral couscous complements the bold flavors of the lamb and spices making each bite enticing.

20. Beef Stir-Fry with Couscous

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Couscous stir fries are simple and quick to prepare. Among many variations possible, Beef Stir-Fry with Couscous is a standout option. Choosing the right cut of beef and treating it with a well-balanced marinade is a crucial step in preparation to ensure that it becomes the highlight of the dish.

As the beef sizzles in a hot wok or skillet, the marinade caramelizes and a mouthwatering crust appears on the outside while maintaining juiciness within. The cooked couscous is then combined with the succulent beef and vibrant vegetables, creating a dish that delights the taste buds.