Healthy Moroccan Couscous with Roasted Vegetables
This Moroccan-inspired couscous dish is packed with colorful roasted vegetables, warm spices, and fresh herbs. It’s light yet filling, naturally vegetarian, and perfect as a side or main. The roasted veggies bring caramelized sweetness while the spiced couscous ties everything together with classic Moroccan flavors.
⏱️ Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: ~40 minutes
Ingredients
For the roasted vegetables:
1 medium zucchini (cubed)
1 red bell pepper (sliced)
1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
1 medium carrot (sliced into thin sticks)
1 small red onion (sliced)
1 small eggplant (cubed, optional)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground coriander
½ tsp turmeric (optional, for color)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the couscous:
1 cup whole wheat couscous (or regular couscous)
1 ¼ cups vegetable broth (or water)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground ginger
Salt, to taste
Garnish:
2 tbsp raisins or chopped dried apricots
2 tbsp toasted almonds or pine nuts
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Lemon wedges
Instructions
Roast the vegetables:
1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Toss zucchini, peppers, carrot, onion, and eggplant with olive oil, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and golden.
Prepare the couscous:
1. In a saucepan, bring broth, olive oil, cinnamon, ginger, and salt to a boil.
2. Remove from heat, stir in couscous, cover, and let sit 5 minutes.
3. Fluff with a fork to separate grains.
Assemble:
1. Transfer couscous to a large serving bowl.
2. Top with roasted vegetables.
3. Sprinkle with raisins/apricots, nuts, and fresh herbs.
4. Serve warm with lemon wedges for brightness.
️ Serving Suggestions
Great on its own as a light meal.
Serve alongside grilled chicken, lamb skewers, or baked fish.
Add chickpeas for extra protein to keep it vegetarian.
Notes & Tips
To save time, roast vegetables in advance and reheat before serving.
For extra Moroccan flair, add a pinch of saffron or ras el hanout spice blend.
Can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep.
❓ frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I use pearl couscous instead of regular?
Yes, just cook according to package instructions (takes longer than instant couscous).
Q: Can I skip dried fruit?
Of course — but raisins/apricots add a traditional Moroccan sweet-salty balance.
Nutritional information
Calories: ~310
Protein: 9g
Carbs: 50g
Fat: 9g
Fiber: 8g