Flavorful Mediterranean Couscous and Chickpeas Recipe

Transport your taste buds to the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this delightful couscous and chickpeas recipe. Bursting with aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and wholesome ingredients, this dish offers a healthy and satisfying meal option.

Whether you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine or looking to explore new flavors, this recipe is sure to impress!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 ½ cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup cucumber, diced
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil.

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the couscous. Cover and let it sit for about 5 minutes or until the couscous absorbs the liquid and becomes fluffy.

In a separate large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute to toast the spices and release their flavors.

Add the chickpeas to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to absorb the spices.

Remove the skillet from heat and add the cooked couscous, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, fresh parsley, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Serve the Mediterranean couscous and chickpeas warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed as a main dish or as a side alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Recipe Tips:

• Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, roasted eggplant, or spinach to customize the recipe according to your preferences.
• For extra flavor, you can garnish the dish with crumbled feta cheese or a sprinkle of sumac.
• Consider adding a handful of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for added texture and nuttiness.
• Make sure to rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly to remove any excess salt or brine.

Substitutions:

• If you don’t have couscous, you can substitute it with quinoa or bulgur wheat.
• Instead of vegetable broth or water, you can use chicken broth for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Swap out Kalamata olives for black olives or green olives, depending on your preference.

FAQs: Q: Can I make this recipe in advance? A: Yes, you can make the couscous and chickpea mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just keep the fresh vegetables separate and add them before serving to maintain their crispness.

Q: Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned? A: Absolutely! If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the recipe.

Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free? A: Yes, simply swap out the couscous for gluten-free alternatives like quinoa or rice.

Q: How do I reheat couscous? A: To reheat couscous, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and add a splash of water or broth. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.

Q: What is great lemon pearl? A: I’m sorry, but “great lemon pearl” is not a specific term or dish commonly used in cooking. If you have more details or context, I can assist you better in understanding or finding a suitable recipe or product.

Q: Do Trader Joe’s Israeli couscous recipes exist? A: Yes, Trader Joe’s provides a variety of delicious Israeli couscous recipes. You can find these recipes on their official website or in their recipe archives.

Q: What is a pearl dish? A: A pearl dish refers to a dish made with pearl couscous, also known as Israeli couscous. It has larger granules compared to traditional couscous, resulting in a slightly chewy texture.

Q: Is pearled couscous gluten-free? A: No, pearled couscous is not gluten-free. It is typically made from semolina flour, which contains gluten. For gluten-free alternatives, consider using quinoa or rice couscous.

Q: Can you provide a lemon dill chicken and couscous bowl recipe? A: Unfortunately, as an AI language model, I don’t have access to specific recipes at the moment. However, you can easily find lemon dill chicken and couscous bowl recipes online by searching on reputable cooking websites or referring to cookbooks.

Q: Does Trader Joe’s sell pearl couscous? A: Yes, Trader Joe’s offers pearl couscous, also known as Israeli couscous, in their product lineup. It can usually be found in the pasta or grain section of most Trader Joe’s stores.

Q: Is shrimp scampi couscous a popular dish? A: Shrimp scampi couscous is a flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp cooked in a garlic and butter sauce, served over cooked couscous. While it may not be as widely known as other dishes, it is enjoyed by many who appreciate the combination of flavors and textures.

Q: What is the best way to reheat couscous? A: The best way to reheat couscous is to add a small amount of water or broth to a saucepan and gently heat it on the stovetop. Stir occasionally until heated through to maintain its texture and flavor.

Q: What is chickpea powered Mediterranean bulgur? A: Chickpea powered Mediterranean bulgur is a dish that combines bulgur wheat with chickpeas and Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. It often features herbs, lemon, olive oil, vegetables, and spices for a flavorful and nutritious meal option.

Indulge in the enticing flavors of the Mediterranean with this mouthwatering couscous and chickpeas recipe. Packed with aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and protein-rich chickpeas, it’s a wholesome and satisfying dish that will transport your taste buds to sun-soaked shores. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and savor every bite!