Roasted Vegetable Couscous (Printable version)
Tender roasted vegetables paired with fluffy couscous and fresh herbs for a vibrant, easy Mediterranean dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
02 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
03 - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 small red onion, chopped
05 - 1 small eggplant, diced
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Couscous
11 - 1½ cups couscous
12 - 1¾ cups hot vegetable broth
13 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
14 - ½ teaspoon salt
→ Garnish & Extras
15 - ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
16 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
17 - Juice of ½ lemon
18 - ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
# How to Prepare:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, toss zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, and eggplant with olive oil, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Roast vegetables for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and tender.
04 - Place couscous in a heatproof bowl. Stir in olive oil and salt. Pour hot vegetable broth over couscous, cover tightly, and let stand for 5 minutes.
05 - Use a fork to fluff couscous, separating the grains.
06 - Add roasted vegetables to the couscous. Stir in parsley, mint, and lemon juice.
07 - Adjust seasoning to taste. Top with crumbled feta if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- It's like sharing a secret: how simple roasted veggies and couscous come together for a burst of flavor and texture.
- This dish quickly became a favorite because it's both light and satisfying, perfect any time of year.
02 -
- Make sure your vegetable broth is hot when pouring over couscous; it's the secret to perfectly fluffy grains.
- Stirring the roasted veggies halfway through cooking ensures they get that lovely caramelized edge without burning.
03 -
- Don't rush the roasting—you want that caramelization; it transforms the veggies into something magical.
- Using fresh lemon juice at the end wakes up all the flavors, making every bite lively and bright.