Mediterranean Fried Couscous

Bring bold Mediterranean flavors to your table with this vibrant and satisfying Mediterranean Fried Couscous recipe. Perfectly cooked couscous is lightly toasted in olive oil and paired with a colorful medley of sautéed zucchini, red bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives, creating a dish bursting with texture and flavor. Seasoned with fragrant cumin and smoky paprika, then finished with tangy feta cheese, fresh parsley, and a splash of zesty lemon juice, this recipe offers a delightful blend of savory, smoky, and bright flavors. Ready in just 35 minutes, this versatile dish makes a fantastic vegetarian main course or an eye-catching side for your favorite protein. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or crafting a quick weeknight meal, Mediterranean Fried Couscous is sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 1.25 cups water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic clove, minced
• 1 red onion, finely diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.5 cup kalamata olives, sliced
• 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat, stir in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt, then add the couscous. Cover the saucepan and let the couscous sit for 5 minutes to absorb the water. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced red onion, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.

Step 3

Add the diced zucchini and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 4

Stir in the cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.

Step 5

Add the cooked couscous to the skillet and mix thoroughly with the vegetable mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, to lightly toast the couscous.

Step 6

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 7

Serve warm as a main dish or side dish, and enjoy your Mediterranean Fried Couscous!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1366.3 grams (1366.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1298

Total Fat 94.50g	121%
Saturated Fat 27.70g	139%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.10g
Cholesterol 100mg	33%
Sodium 4711mg	205%
Total Carbohydrate 88.20g	32%
Dietary Fiber 21.40g	76%
Total Sugars 20.70g
Protein 31.60g	63%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 922mg	71%
Iron 13mg	74%
Potassium 2100mg	45%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 64.0%

Protein: 9.5%

Carbs: 26.5%