Name: Vegetable Couscous Bowl
Ingredients: For the Couscous: 1 ½ cups (approx. 250g) Whole Wheat or Plain Couscous: The fluffy base of our bowl; whole wheat offers more fiber.; 1 ¾ cups (approx. 420ml) Vegetable Broth or Water: Liquid for cooking the couscous, broth adds more flavor.; 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Adds richness and prevents sticking.; ½ teaspoon Salt (or to taste): Enhances the flavor of the couscous.; For the Roasted Vegetables: 1 medium Red Onion, cut into wedges: Adds a sweet and savory depth.; 1 large Bell Pepper (any color, e.g., red, yellow, or orange), deseeded and roughly chopped: Provides sweetness and vibrant color.; 1 medium Zucchini, trimmed and roughly chopped: Offers a tender texture and mild flavor.; 1 medium Yellow Squash, trimmed and roughly chopped: Similar to zucchini, adding another layer of mild flavor.; 1 cup (approx. 150g) Cherry or Grape Tomatoes, halved if large: Burst with juicy sweetness when roasted.; 1 cup (approx. 100g) Broccoli Florets, cut into bite-sized pieces: Adds a nice crunch and earthy notes.; 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: For roasting the vegetables to perfection.; 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (or Italian seasoning): Classic Mediterranean herb for aroma and taste.; ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Lends a subtle smoky flavor.; Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste: Essential seasonings.; For the Lemon-Herb Dressing (Optional but Recommended): ¼ cup (60ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The base of our vibrant dressing.; Juice of 1 large Lemon (about 3-4 tablespoons): Adds brightness and acidity.; 1 clove Garlic, minced or grated: For a pungent, aromatic kick.; 1 tablespoon Chopped Fresh Parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried): Adds freshness.; 1 tablespoon Chopped Fresh Mint (or 1 teaspoon dried, optional): Provides a cool, refreshing note.; Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste: To balance the flavors.; Optional Garnish/Additions: ¼ cup (approx. 30g) Crumbled Feta Cheese (for non-vegan): Adds a salty, creamy element.; Handful of Toasted Pine Nuts or Sliced Almonds: For a delightful crunch.; Fresh Parsley or Mint leaves, chopped: For extra freshness and visual appeal.; 1 can (15-ounce/425g) Chickpeas, rinsed and drained: To boost protein and fiber.

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful Vegetable Couscous Bowl:

For the Couscous:
- 1 ½ cups (approx. 250g) Whole Wheat or Plain Couscous: The fluffy base of our bowl; whole wheat offers more fiber.
- 1 ¾ cups (approx. 420ml) Vegetable Broth or Water: Liquid for cooking the couscous, broth adds more flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Adds richness and prevents sticking.
- ½ teaspoon Salt (or to taste): Enhances the flavor of the couscous.
For the Roasted Vegetables:
- 1 medium Red Onion, cut into wedges: Adds a sweet and savory depth.
- 1 large Bell Pepper (any color, e.g., red, yellow, or orange), deseeded and roughly chopped: Provides sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 medium Zucchini, trimmed and roughly chopped: Offers a tender texture and mild flavor.
- 1 medium Yellow Squash, trimmed and roughly chopped: Similar to zucchini, adding another layer of mild flavor.
- 1 cup (approx. 150g) Cherry or Grape Tomatoes, halved if large: Burst with juicy sweetness when roasted.
- 1 cup (approx. 100g) Broccoli Florets, cut into bite-sized pieces: Adds a nice crunch and earthy notes.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: For roasting the vegetables to perfection.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (or Italian seasoning): Classic Mediterranean herb for aroma and taste.
- ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Lends a subtle smoky flavor.
- Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste: Essential seasonings.
For the Lemon-Herb Dressing (Optional but Recommended):
- ¼ cup (60ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The base of our vibrant dressing.
- Juice of 1 large Lemon (about 3–4 tablespoons): Adds brightness and acidity.
- 1 clove Garlic, minced or grated: For a pungent, aromatic kick.
- 1 tablespoon Chopped Fresh Parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried): Adds freshness.
- 1 tablespoon Chopped Fresh Mint (or 1 teaspoon dried, optional): Provides a cool, refreshing note.
- Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste: To balance the flavors.
Optional Garnish/Additions:
- ¼ cup (approx. 30g) Crumbled Feta Cheese (for non-vegan): Adds a salty, creamy element.
- Handful of Toasted Pine Nuts or Sliced Almonds: For a delightful crunch.
- Fresh Parsley or Mint leaves, chopped: For extra freshness and visual appeal.
- 1 can (15-ounce/425g) Chickpeas, rinsed and drained: To boost protein and fiber.

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Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Vegetable Couscous Bowl:

Preheat Oven & Prepare Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large baking sheet, combine the chopped red onion, bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli florets. Drizzle with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle with dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated.
Roast the Vegetables: Spread the vegetables in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized, flipping them halfway through. If you’re adding chickpeas to roast, toss them with the vegetables during the last 10 minutes of roasting.
Cook the Couscous: While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the couscous. In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth (or water), 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and ½ teaspoon of salt to a boil. Once boiling, add the couscous, stir once, then immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let it sit for 5-7 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
Fluff the Couscous: After 5-7 minutes, remove the lid and fluff the couscous gently with a fork.
Prepare the Dressing (if using): In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped fresh mint (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide the fluffed couscous among serving bowls. Top generously with the roasted vegetables.
Dress and Garnish: Drizzle the lemon-herb dressing over the vegetables and couscous. If desired, garnish with crumbled feta cheese, toasted nuts, and extra fresh herbs. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 550