Best 4 Middle Eastern Couscous Side Dish Recipes
Middle Eastern couscous is a versatile and flavorful side dish that complements a variety of main courses. It is made from small, steamed balls of semolina and can be served hot or cold. Couscous is often flavored with herbs, spices, and vegetables, and can be topped with nuts, seeds, or dried fruit. It is a popular addition to stews, tagines, and grilled meats, and is also commonly served as a vegetarian main course. In this article, we will provide you with a collection of recipes for delicious and authentic Middle Eastern couscous dishes, each offering unique flavors and textures to enhance your culinary journey.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
MOROCCAN COUSCOUS WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES.
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 392F / 200C.Add the butternut squash, red onions and pepper to a large baking tray. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle over 1 and a half tablespoons of olive oil.Toss the vegetables then bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes remove the tray from the oven then add the zucchini/courgette. Toss all the vegetables together then return the tray to the oven and bake for a further 20 minutes. The vegetables should be soft and slightly charred on the edges.
- While the veggies are roasting, make the couscous.
- Add the couscous to a large bowl, pour in the vegetable stock, stir, then cover the bowl with cling film or something similar. Leave for 10 minutes
- While the couscous is doing its magic and the veggies are roasting, make the dressing.Add all the spices, lemon zest and lemon juice to a bowl, whisk in the 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Set aside until you are ready to use it.
- When the couscous is ready, use a fork and scrape the couscous to loosen it up. It should be nice and fluffy.
- Now add the chickpeas and the dressing to the couscous, stir well.
- Add the veggies and the chopped apricots and stir again.
- Finally, add the herbs and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with blanched almond slivers and pomegranate arils/seeds.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 469 kcal, Carbohydrate 68.6 g, Protein 14.6 g, Fat 16.4 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 384 mg, Fiber 12.1 g, Sugar 10.2 g, ServingSize 1 serving
MIDDLE EASTERN COUSCOUS WITH DRIED FRUIT
Steps:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the oil. Add the raisins, garlic, cinnamon, cumin, and coriander. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the couscous to the saucepan, along with the 2 cups of boiling water and the salt. Stir once with a fork, cover tightly, and remove from the heat. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Stir with a fork before serving to fluff the couscous and combine the other ingredients. (This recipe can be made up to a day ahead and reheated over very low heat or in a microwave oven.)
MIDDLE EASTERN COUSCOUS SALAD
A relatively quick and easy lunchtime salad that's brimming with flavour and vitality - entirely original recipe.
Provided by ID2448
Categories Vegan
Time 45m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Soak the couscous in 9 fluid ounces cold water.
- Pre-heat the oven to 200°C Cut the eggplant into 1/4" slices, cut these in 2 lengthways then cut all across in 1/4" slices (you should end up with short'chip'-shaped pieces).
- Toss in 3 tablespoons of the oil, 2 teaspoons of the cumin and a little seasoning then roast in the oven for 15- 20 mintes, until softened.
- Meanwhile, prepare the dressing: zest the lemon, adding the zest to the couscous then juice and add about 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Allow to dissolve, then add the garlic plus the remaining cumin and olive oil.
- Whisk thoroughly and add to the couscous- this will be partially absorbed.
- When the eggplant is cooked, allow to cool a little then stir into the couscous, along with the olives, coriander and pine nuts.
- Toss well and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 738.9, Fat 42.7, SaturatedFat 5.2, Sodium 131, Carbohydrate 78.9, Fiber 10.6, Sugar 3.2, Protein 14.7
MIDDLE EASTERN SWEET COUSCOUS
This sweet couscous is great with full-flavored, spicy meats, like lamb kebabs and although it is traditionally middle-eastern, we love it with spicy caribbean jerk pork, too!
Provided by Wildflour
Categories < 30 Mins
Time 20m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Heat oven to 315°F Spread nuts on a baking sheet and bake about 5 minutes, until lightly golden. Allow to cool, then coarse chop.
- Place in a bowl with the chopped apricots and toss to combine.
- Place the couscous and sugar in a bowl and cover with 1 cup boiling water. Stir well then add the butter and a pinch of salt. Stir until the butter melts, then cover with a dish towel and set aside for 10 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork, then add the nuts & apricots, toss gently.
- The couscous can be served just like this, on a platter with the meat, or in a bowl. Some prefer it served in small bowls, sprinkled with the cinnamon and a little hot milk. This way it can be a dessert or a breakfast dish, much like we enjoy cream of wheat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 619, Fat 27.9, SaturatedFat 13.9, Cholesterol 58.6, Sodium 174.3, Carbohydrate 80.5, Fiber 5.2, Sugar 27.5, Protein 14
Tips:
- For a more flavorful couscous, use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
- Add some dried fruit, nuts, or vegetables to the couscous for a more colorful and nutritious dish.
- If you don't have any ras el hanout, you can substitute a mixture of cumin, coriander, and paprika.
- Serve the couscous hot or cold, as a side dish or a main course.
Conclusion:
Middle Eastern couscous is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is a great option for busy weeknights or special occasions. So next time you're looking for a tasty and healthy side dish, give this recipe a try!
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