Vegetable Couscous

When the heat of summer calls for light and refreshing meals, Vegetable Couscous steps in to satisfy your cravings without keeping you trapped in a hot kitchen. This vegetarian dish brings together a colorful array of vegetables, aromatic spices, and fluffy couscous for a delightful balance of textures and flavors. With a total time of 25-27 minutes, including preparation and cooking, this recipe offers a quick and satisfying option for warm-weather dining.

Vegetable Couscous is not only a delightful main dish but also serves as an opportunity to embrace the season’s bounty. Pair it with fresh homegrown tomatoes or add a touch of elegance with slices of colorful cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon on the side.

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 25–27 minutes
Dietary: Vegetarian

INGREDIENTS:

For the Vegetables:

• 4 ounces white mushrooms, sliced
• ½ medium green bell pepper, julienned
• 1 cup cubed zucchini
• ¼ small onion, slivered
• 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
• ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Couscous:

• ¾ cup uncooked couscous
• 1 cup vegetable broth or water
• ½ teaspoon salt (omit if using salted broth)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Begin by combining all the vegetables in a large bowl. Sprinkle ground coriander, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to taste over the vegetables. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices. Add the olive oil and stir once again to coat the vegetables evenly.
2. Place the seasoned vegetables in the air fryer basket and cook at 390°F (199°C) for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, stir the vegetables and continue cooking for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until they reach a tender consistency.
3. While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the couscous. In a large saucepan, bring the vegetable broth or water (with salt, if using) to a boil. Stir in the uncooked couscous, cover the saucepan, and remove it from heat.
4. Allow the couscous to sit covered for 5 minutes. Afterward, fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in the cooked vegetables. Serve the Vegetable Couscous hot.

VARIATION:

• During the spring season, you can add a fresh twist by substituting half or all of the zucchini with fresh asparagus. This variation not only adds a different flavor but also embraces the seasonal produce available.

Embrace the simplicity and freshness of Vegetable Couscous as a light and vibrant meal. The tender vegetables, aromatic spices, and fluffy couscous come together to create a satisfying dish that’s perfect for warmer days. Whether enjoyed as a standalone meal or as a complement to other summer delights, this recipe captures the essence of the season in every bite.