Discover a delightful fusion of flavors and textures with our "WW Couscous with Lentils and Vegetables" recipe! This Middle Eastern-inspired dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a wholesome option for anyone looking to elevate their meal game. With just 35 minutes of your time, you can whip up a vibrant, nutritious meal that serves four and is packed with protein, fiber, and an explosion of colors. Whether you're entertaining guests or simply treating yourself to a healthy dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Ready to dive into a bowl of goodness? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and dicing vegetables: bell pepper into small cubes, zucchini into uniform pieces, and grate the carrot finely.
- In a medium saucepan, heat vegetable broth over medium-high heat until it reaches a gentle boil.
- Add couscous to the boiling broth, stir briefly, then remove from heat. Cover the pan and let stand for 5 minutes to allow couscous to absorb liquid and become fluffy.
- While couscous is resting, heat a large skillet over medium heat and sauté diced bell pepper and zucchini until slightly tender, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add grated carrot and cooked lentils to the skillet, stirring to combine and warm through. Season with cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Fluff the cooked couscous with a fork to separate grains and prevent clumping.
- Combine the vegetable-lentil mixture with the couscous, mixing gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Transfer to serving plates and drizzle with olive oil for added flavor and richness.
- Serve warm and enjoy your nutritious Middle Eastern-inspired dish.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables in advance and store them in the fridge. This way, you can quickly throw everything together when you're ready to cook!
- Broth Variety: For an extra layer of flavor, consider using homemade vegetable broth or adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves to the broth while it heats.
- Texture Matters: Make sure to fluff the couscous with a fork after it has rested. This will keep it light and airy, preventing it from becoming clumpy.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on what you have on hand. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even roasted eggplant can add a delicious twist!
- Garnish for Greatness: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving can elevate the dish's presentation and add freshness.
- Leftovers: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently and enjoy it as a quick lunch or dinner option!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
