Lemony Couscous: A Flavorful, Savory Side Dish Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Recipe Category: Vegetable
Servings: 4-6 servings
This Lemony Couscous recipe draws inspiration from Sackville Girl’s take on lemon couscous but comes with a few delightful twists to make it uniquely its own. Perfect for a quick side dish, this recipe is designed to be vibrant, flavorful, and ideal for those who enjoy fresh, zesty notes in their meals. By replacing butter with oil, this version is vegan-friendly while still maintaining a rich texture and depth of flavor. Whether served with grilled vegetables, salads, or your favorite plant-based dishes, this couscous brings a burst of flavor to any meal.
Ingredients & Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red onion | 2 (small, chopped) |
| Green bell pepper | 1 (diced) |
| Currants | 1/2 cup |
| Preserved lemon | 1/4 cup (finely chopped) |
| Couscous | 1/2 cup |
| Boiling water | 250 ml (1 cup) |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Butter (optional) | 1 tablespoon (for non-vegan option) |
| Lemon thyme (fresh) | 3 sprigs (finely chopped) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 727.8 kcal |
| Fat Content | 20.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 15.3 mg |
| Sodium | 553.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 118.3 g |
| Fiber | 9.5 g |
| Sugar | 15.3 g |
| Protein | 17.9 g |
Recipe Instructions
-
Heat the Oil: In a medium-sized pan, pour the olive oil and heat it over medium heat.
-
Cook the Onion: Add the red onion to the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, just until it softens without turning golden or browned.
-
Add the Bell Pepper: Next, add the diced green bell pepper. Stir occasionally and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the pepper softens and turns a bright green.
-
Incorporate the Currants & Lemon: Stir in the currants, preserved lemon, roasted red pepper (if using), couscous, and stock powder or vegetable bouillon cube. Mix everything together well to coat the couscous in the flavorful base of the vegetables and fruit.
-
Remove from Heat: Turn off the heat once everything is well combined.
-
Pour in the Boiling Water: Carefully pour the boiling water over the couscous mixture, ensuring it covers everything evenly.
-
Cover and Steep: Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and allow it to sit for about 3-5 minutes. This allows the couscous to absorb the water and swell, creating a fluffy texture.
-
Add Butter (optional): If you’re making a non-vegan version, add butter to the pan now. Stir it gently over very low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the butter to melt and enrich the couscous further. For a vegan dish, skip the butter and proceed to the next step.
-
Stir in Lemon Thyme: Finally, stir through the fresh lemon thyme. Its aromatic flavor will infuse the couscous with a wonderful citrusy aroma that perfectly complements the preserved lemon.
-
Serve: Serve your Lemony Couscous immediately while warm. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains, adding a fresh, tangy contrast to savory dishes.
This Lemony Couscous recipe is a delightful and quick dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and festive occasions. With its balance of savory flavors, slight sweetness from the currants, and a zesty citrus twist, it is sure to become a household favorite. The dish can easily be modified to suit various dietary preferences, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Whether you’re making it as a side for a simple family dinner or as part of a larger gathering, the flavors are sure to impress. Enjoy this bright, flavorful couscous today!
