Red Bell Pepper Couscous

Brighten up your meal plan with this vibrant and flavorful Red Bell Pepper Couscous, a quick and easy side dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes! This recipe combines fluffy couscous with the smoky sweetness of sautéed red bell peppers, aromatic garlic, and warm spices like cumin and paprika for a dish packed with bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley add the perfect zesty finish, while a drizzle of olive oil ties it all together. Perfect served warm or at room temperature, this versatile dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or can even stand alone as a light vegetarian entrée. Its simple prep and wholesome ingredients make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or relaxed dinner parties.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper
• 2 garlic cloves
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat 1 cup of water in a small saucepan until it comes to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon of olive oil, then stir in the couscous. Remove the pan from heat, cover with a lid, and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Step 2

While the couscous is resting, finely chop the red bell pepper and mince the garlic cloves.

Step 3

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped red bell pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the ground cumin and paprika, and cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.

Step 6

Fluff the couscous with a fork and add it to the skillet with the red bell peppers. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Add the chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the couscous mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	581.4 grams (581.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	491

Total Fat 29.20g	37%
Saturated Fat 4.60g	23%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.80g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1503mg	65%
Total Carbohydrate 49.00g	18%
Dietary Fiber 5.90g	21%
Total Sugars 5.00g
Protein 8.30g	17%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 72mg	6%
Iron 3mg	17%
Potassium 479mg	10%

*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: 53.4%

Protein: 6.7%

Carbs: 39.8%