Healthy Couscous Bowl with Poached Egg
This vibrant bowl features fluffy whole-wheat couscous, fresh veggies, and a silky poached egg on top for a boost of protein and creaminess. The runny yolk becomes part of the dressing, blending with a simple lemon-olive oil vinaigrette for a naturally rich yet healthy finish.
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Couscous Base:
1 cup whole-wheat couscous
1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth (or water)
1 tbsp olive oil
Pinch of salt
For the Veggies & Toppings:
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup cucumber, diced
½ cup steamed broccoli florets (or blanched green beans)
2 tbsp feta cheese, crumbled
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp pumpkin seeds or toasted almonds (optional)
For the Poached Eggs:
2 fresh eggs
1 tsp white vinegar (helps egg whites set)
For the Dressing:
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp honey (optional)
¼ tsp dried oregano
Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Couscous
1. Bring vegetable broth (or water) to a boil.
2. Stir in couscous, olive oil, and salt.
3. Cover, remove from heat, and let sit for 5 minutes.
4. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small jar or bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, honey, oregano, and black pepper until emulsified.
Step 3: Poach the Eggs
1. Fill a saucepan with 2–3 inches of water, bring to a gentle simmer (not boiling).
2. Add vinegar.
3. Crack each egg into a small bowl, then gently slide into the water.
4. Cook for 3–4 minutes for a runny yolk or longer if preferred.
5. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
1. In serving bowls, add couscous as the base.
2. Arrange tomatoes, cucumber, broccoli, and parsley around the sides.
3. Drizzle with the dressing.
4. Place the poached egg on top and sprinkle with feta and seeds/nuts.
Notes & Tips
For extra protein, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tuna.
For meal prep, cook couscous and prep veggies in advance; poach eggs fresh before serving.
If you’re new to poaching eggs, swirling the water gently before adding the egg can help shape it nicely.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I make this with quinoa instead of couscous?
A: Yes — quinoa is a great gluten-free option; just cook according to package directions.
Q: Can I skip the vinegar in poaching?
A: Yes, but the egg whites may spread a bit more in the water.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~340 kcal
Protein: 14g
Carbs: 39g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 6g
Sodium: ~350mg