Cold Roasted Carrot Couscous Bowl with Tahini Yogurt & Herbs
Tender roasted carrots meet fluffy couscous, creamy lemon-tahini yogurt, fresh herbs, and crunchy toasted seeds. It’s cool, silky, sweet-savory, and herby — a modern Mediterranean bowl that feels special and satisfying.
⏱ Time:
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 20 minutes (for carrots)
- Chill: 10 minutes
- Total: ~40–45 minutes
Ingredients:
For the roasted carrots:
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into sticks
1 tbsp olive oil
¼ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the couscous:
¾ cup couscous
1 cup boiling water or veggie broth
1 tsp olive oil
Pinch of salt
Tahini yogurt sauce:
¼ cup Greek yogurt
1 tbsp tahini
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp cold water (to loosen)
Salt & pepper to taste
Toppings & extras:
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
1 tbsp chopped mint (optional)
2 tbsp toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. Roast the carrots:
Toss carrot sticks with olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and tender. Let cool.
2. Prepare the couscous:
Combine couscous, olive oil, salt, and boiling water in a bowl.
Cover and let sit 5–10 minutes, fluff with fork. Chill.
3. Make the tahini yogurt:
In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, water, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Chill.
4. Assemble the bowl:
In a large bowl or plate, add a scoop of couscous, top with cooled roasted carrots.
Drizzle tahini yogurt over or serve it on the side.
Sprinkle herbs, seeds, and cheese (if using).
Tips:
- Add a few chickpeas or roasted cauliflower for extra heartiness.
- Serve on a bed of arugula or baby spinach for a greener version.
- Make it spicy with harissa or chili flakes if you like heat.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ:
Q: Can I use pearl couscous instead?
Absolutely! Just cook it according to package directions and chill it well.
Q: Is it still good without yogurt?
Yes — you can swap in plain tahini + lemon dressing or even labneh.
Nutritional Value:
Calories: ~330
Protein: 10g
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 6g
Sodium:15g