Craving a quick, nutritious, and absolutely delicious meal that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean? Look no further! This Couscous with Zucchini and Black Beans recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner hero. Packed with vibrant flavors, protein-rich black beans, and tender zucchini, this dish is not just a meal – it's a culinary journey that takes just 25 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves a delightful and easy-to-prepare dish, this recipe is your ticket to a mouthwatering Mediterranean feast!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Couscous
- Zucchini, diced
- Black beans, drained
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Vegetable broth
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: couscous, diced zucchini, drained black beans, chopped onion, minced garlic, vegetable broth, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
- Next, add the diced zucchini to the pan, stirring to combine. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the zucchini to soften slightly while still retaining some crunch.
- Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the broth is boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 cup of couscous. Cover the pan with a lid and let it sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the couscous to absorb the liquid.
- After 5 minutes, remove the lid and fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains. Gently fold in the drained black beans, mixing until everything is well combined.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. If desired, drizzle a little more olive oil over the top for added richness.
- Serve the couscous warm, garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness, if desired. Enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired dish!
Tips
- Liquid Ratio is Key: Always use a 1:
- 5 ratio of couscous to liquid for perfectly fluffy results.
- Let it Rest: After adding hot broth, let the couscous sit covered for exactly 5 minutes – this allows for optimal liquid absorption.
- Fluff with a Fork: Always use a fork to fluff your couscous, not a spoon. This helps separate the grains and prevents clumping.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh garlic and sauté it carefully to avoid burning, which can make it bitter.
- Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra burst of freshness.
- Make it Your Own: Experiment with different beans or add roasted vegetables for variety.
- Serve Immediately: Couscous is best enjoyed warm, so serve right after preparing for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
