Couscous is made from semolina flour; it contains gluten (unlike quinoa which has a similar texture) and it’s one of those things that are so easy to cook, you won’t even believe it. If you haven’t tried any couscous recipes until now, you have no idea what you’re missing! Couscous has many benefits to our health and it’s usually served with some delicious stew or curry on top in order to achieve some finger-licking lunches or dinners.
I fell in love with couscous a while ago and now I sometimes use it even more than rice. It’s so easy to cook with it and it’s so versatile! Couscous is a popular ingredient in the Middle Eastern cuisine and in case you are a fan of this cuisine, then I’m sure you’ll love these recipes too!
Even though there are countless different vegan couscous recipes on the web, you should know that no couscous recipe or salad is complete without a squeeze of lemon juice and some fresh herbs.
I want to inspire you to add this awesome ingredient to your future meals, so here are10 of my favorite vegan couscous recipesthat I always enjoy to make! As you already know, I don’t like to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, especially in the summer when I like my meals light and refreshing, that’s why all these recipes are easy and fast. Of course, they use accessible, budget-friendly ingredients so anyone can recreate these – even if they’re not vegan!
Click on the link titlesto access these healthy vegan couscous recipes.Many thanks to all the wonderful food bloggers who created these recipes. You will also find my own favorite vegan couscous recipe below. I hope you’ll try these couscous recipes the next time you need a quick and filling lunch or dinner!
Vegan Couscous Recipes
1.Couscous Salad | Ready in 15 minutes!
This simple and quick couscous salad is one of the best choices for a summer meal.It’s perfect for lunch and best served cold. Did I also mention that it’s ready in 15 minutes? What more can you ask for?
If you’re in need of a protein-packed meal that won’t require a lot of time to make, then this couscous with veggies is my suggestion. It’s perfect for lunch or as a side dish. Just add some fresh lemon juice and you’re good to go!
This yummy Moroccan vegetable couscous can be served as a vegan entree or you can serve it as a healthy side dish for your veggie meal. This recipe involves lots of veggies and dried fruits, so it doesn’t get any healthier than this. I hope you’ll enjoy this sweet and savory dish!
This couscous salad or couscous pilaf is perfect for those days when you don’t have time to cook but still want to enjoy a filling lunch or dinner that will be ready in no time. Add some canned beans for protein, some salsa for flavor and that’s it – you’re ready to serve it!
This recipe is perfect for all you spicy food lovers out there. This vegan flavorful meal can be consumed as a filling lunch or a hearty dinner. The fresh herbs and the yummy tahini sauce will take this Moroccan couscous to a whole new level of deliciousness!
This roasted vegetable couscous recipe is perfect for summer! I advise you to use your grill in order to prepare these healthy vegetables. Just add them to your cooked couscous, add some fresh herbs and that’s it! You can enjoy this easy and refreshing summer dish.
The best thing about this Spanish vegetable couscous is that you can pack it and take it to the office for lunch. Besides these, it’s very easy to make, healthy, delicious and refreshing! Check it out!
If you’re a fan of broccoli, then you’ll fall in love with this couscous recipe. It’s packed with proteins, it has a delicious taste and it’s basically the perfect lunch or dinner. The crispy tofu will add a dash of flavor and protein to the entire dish and the vegan BBQ sauce will complete it perfectly!
I would recommend this recipe for those cold winter days, but this doesn’t mean you can’t prepare it in any other season as well. This couscous salad is best served warm and the roasted veggies will make it the most hearty lunch or dinner in the world!
This colorful chargrilled vegetable couscous with hummus is very healthy and perfect for summer! Just add some lemon juice, chili flakes and nuts and enjoy!
FAQs
Is couscous suitable for vegans? Yes, couscous (the grain-like semolina) is suitable for vegans, but this doesn't mean that all couscous dishes in restaurants are vegan-friendly. If you're eating out and unsure, it's always a good idea to ask and make sure you've picked a plant-based option.
What does couscous pair well with? ›
Couscous can be served as a side dish or a main meal, and goes well with beef, chicken, fish, lamb or as part of a vegetarian meal (with beans, tofu, etc.) You can also stir in additional ingredients (vegetables, nuts, dried fruit) to add something special to your couscous and make it a more substantial dish.
What makes couscous taste better? ›
Using chicken or other stock instead of water will give your couscous a deeper flavour and make it more substantial. Bring a cup or two of stock (I tend to add a little extra to allow for evaporation) in a medium to large pot. Remember couscous will expand.
What tastes good with couscous? ›
- 1Moroccan sweet potato bake. ...
- 2Moroccan lamb skewers with peperonata couscous. ...
- 315-minute Moroccan lamb on couscous. ...
- 4Moroccan chicken with sticky roasted vegetables. ...
- 5Moroccan-spiced roasted eggplant and tomato. ...
- 6Lamb meatball tagine with couscous. ...
- 7Moroccan chicken with beetroot couscous. ...
- 8Easy fish tagine.
Compared to couscous, quinoa has stronger anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. With 7 percent fewer calories per 100 grams of cooked couscous than quinoa, it is healthier for weight loss. Every 100 grams of cooked quinoa has 120 calories. Every 100 grams of cooked couscous has 112 calories.
How to flavour couscous without stock? ›
Add some spices and herbs for flavor. You can absolutely serve your couscous plain at this point. Or, feel free to add a little seasoning of your choice and some fresh herbs. I added a pinch of ground cumin, chopped parsley, dill, and green onions.
How to jazz up couscous? ›
Throw in some herbs and spices
Add some cumin, paprika or turmeric (or create a spice mix that you love) to the cooking water for a subtle warmth and depth. Alternatively, toss the cooked couscous with fresh herbs like mint, parsley or coriander for a burst of freshness.
Is couscous good for bowels? ›
Source of fibre. Couscous is a source of fibre, but to optimise levels, it's worth looking for wholemeal couscous, which is made from the whole grain. Fibre supports digestive health and alleviates constipation, and research suggests it may help improve levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Is couscous healthier then rice? ›
While couscous and white rice have almost the same amount of calories per 100 grams, couscous contains more protein and higher amounts of vitamins and minerals so can be considered a healthier option in those departments. Both grains can support weight loss when incoporated into a balanced, healthy diet.
What are the disadvantages of couscous? ›
High in Gluten
Since couscous is made from semolina flour, it contains gluten. This makes it off limits for those with a gluten allergy or intolerance. Though only about 1% of the population has a gluten intolerance known as celiac disease, it's thought that 0.5–13% of people may have non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Too Much Water: Stick to the 1:1.5 ratio to avoid mushy couscous. Underseasoning: Don't forget to season your water with a pinch of salt.
What is couscous traditionally eaten with? ›
In Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, it is generally served with vegetables (carrots, potatoes, and turnips) cooked in a spicy or mild broth or stew, usually with some meat (generally, chicken, lamb, or mutton).
What meat to eat with couscous? ›
The best dishes to serve with couscous are beef and broccoli, glazed salmon, haddock, orange chicken, tofu curry, Zuppa Toscana, smoked meatloaf, lamb stew, Cola chicken, salsa chicken, garlic tofu, beef kebabs, chickpea stew, roasted vegetables, butternut squash and kale, shakshuka, Moroccan cauliflower, chickpea ...
Can you eat couscous by itself? ›
Like rice and pasta, couscous absorbs flavors well and tastes great both plain or mixed with seasonal ingredients. It can be served hot, warm or cold, so keep a box of dry couscous in your pantry for year-round use.
How to spice couscous? ›
Paprika: Imparts a sweet, slightly smoky flavor and a vibrant color. Minced Shallot: Provides a subtle, sweet flavor with a hint of sharpness. Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Infuses the couscous with a savory, umami depth.
What grains are good for vegans? ›
Discover a variety of plant-based whole grain recipes, where wholesome grains like brown rice, barley, millet, oats, quinoa, and wheat berries are at the heart of each nutritious dish.
Can you eat couscous on a plant-based diet? ›
Plant-based protein is essential in vegetarian and vegan diets, making couscous an optimal food choice.
Is couscous a healthier alternative to rice? ›
A healthier alternative to white rice
Couscous provides more protein and a greater contribution of vitamins and minerals than the equivalent portion of white rice.
What plant is couscous made from? ›
All couscous is made from semolina. Semolina is the name we give to flour that is ground from durum wheat. Durum wheat is a very hard wheat, higher in protein than the wheat all-purpose flour is made from. Semolina is golden yellow and gives couscous a nuttier taste than a pasta made with all-purpose flour.
