Falafel-Spiced Middle Eastern Couscous Recipe

Recipe By The Spruce Eats

Couscous is a staple ingredient in north african and middle eastern cuisine and is very similar to small pasta such as orzo. Pasta, however, is made from ground wheat while couscous consists of little steamed balls, made from crushed durum wheat semolina. That distinction aside, though, it can be used in very similar fashions as a starchy side dish or the base of a salad. When properly cooked, it should have a very light and fluffy texture. You can usually find couscous in either the pasta aisle of your supermarket or sometimes in the section with grains. Traditional couscous is quite small, but you will also find larger balls of couscous called either israeli or pearled couscous. Technically the two are not exactly the same, but many manufacturers don't make the distinction and you'll see both types of labels. This recipe uses the larger, pearled-style, but feel free to use the smaller grains if you prefer. Like pasta, couscous has a mild flavor and benefits from the addition of flavorful ingredients like vegetables and spices. Pre-roasting chickpeas gives them a lovely crunch and great texture against the soft, fluffy couscous. Roasting the cherry tomatoes greatly increases their sweetness and caramelizes their juices. This is also a great way to coax the most amount of flavor from out of season tomatoes. In this recipe, traditional falafel spices, such as cumin and coriander, are sprinkled over the chickpeas and tomatoes prior to roasting. The roasting also makes the spices more aromatic. Crumbled fresh feta adds both flavor and salt to the finished dish. Serve this as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. Then pack up any leftovers for lunch the next day. The flavors will meld together even more after a night in the refrigerator.

4.6
26 Rating -
Rate
Vegdiet
35minstotal
5minsPrep
30minsCook
35m.total
5m.Prep
30m.Cook
Falafel-Spiced Middle Eastern Couscous
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ingredients serve

Ingredients for Falafel-Spiced Middle Eastern Couscous Recipe

  • 1/4 can Chickpeas
  • 1/4 cup Cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 0.06 teaspoon Ground coriander
  • 0.06 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 0.06 teaspoon Ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup Pearled couscous
  • 0.63 cup Water
  • 1 ounce Feta Cheese
  • 0.06 cup Cilantro
Nutrition
value
169
calories per serving
11 g Fat6 g Protein11 g Carbs< 1 g FiberOther

Current Totals

  • Fat
    11g
  • Protein
    6g
  • Carbs
    11g
  • Fiber
    < 1g

MacroNutrients

  • Carbs
    11g
  • Protein
    6g
  • Fiber
    < 1g

Fats

  • Fat
    11g

Vitamins & Minerals

  • Calcium
    160mg
  • Iron
    1mg
  • Vitamin A
    371mcg
  • Vitamin B1
    < 1mg
  • Vitamin B2
    < 1mg
  • Vitamin B3
    < 1mg
  • Vitamin B6
    < 1mg
  • Vitamin B9
    33mcg
  • Vitamin B12
    0mcg
  • Vitamin C
    6mg
  • Vitamin E
    1mg
  • Copper
    < 1mcg
  • Magnesium
    20mg
  • Manganese
    < 1mg
  • Phosphorus
    107mg
  • Selenium
    7mcg
  • Zinc
    < 1mg
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. All nutritional information presented are estimates and not meant to substitute professional dietary advice or treatment
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Recipe By The Spruce Eats