Description
This Moroccan-Spiced Chickpea and Carrot Couscous Salad is a simple yet soul-satisfying dish that travels well and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup boiling vegetable broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
- 2 medium carrots, grated or finely julienned
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots or raisins (optional)
- 2 tablespoons toasted slivered almonds or sunflower seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the couscous: Place the couscous in a large heatproof bowl. Pour the boiling vegetable broth over the couscous, cover with a lid or plate, and let it steam for 5 minutes. Once the liquid is absorbed, fluff with a fork to separate the grains.
- Toast the spices: In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, turmeric, and ginger. Stir gently until the spices are fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked chickpeas, grated carrots, and toasted spices to the fluffed couscous. Stir well to combine.
- Add herbs and citrus: Fold in chopped parsley, mint, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Optional additions: For a sweeter, nuttier touch, toss in chopped dried apricots or raisins, and finish with toasted almonds or seeds.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm, or chill for 30 minutes and serve as a refreshing cold salad.
Notes
- This salad tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg