Curried Couscous Recipe

Name: Curried Couscous
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 2/3 cup raw cashews; 2 to 3 teaspoons maple syrup; 2 teaspoons chia seeds ((optional)); Dash of cayenne pepper; Salt to taste; 1 cup dry couscous ((or 2 cups cooked quinoa)); 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas (drained and rinsed (or 1 1/2 cups cooked)); 3/4 cup frozen green peas (thawed); 1 medium red bell pepper (small dice); 1/2 cup shredded carrots ((about 1 medium carrot)); 1/4 cup diced red onion (or shallots); 1/3 cup chopped cilantro; 1/3 cup chopped flat leaf parsley; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste ((about 2 small lemons)); 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest; 2 teaspoons curry powder; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic (pressed or finely minced); 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or to taste (optional)); Salt to taste

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This 15-minute Curried Couscous is rich in plant-based protein and iron, with a flavorful curry dressing. Prep this budget-friendly recipe in advance for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner. It's veggie-loaded and perfect for your weekly rotation.

Couscous salad in a white oval platter with herbs, chopped bell pepper, green peas, chickpeas, carrots, curry dressing, and maple roasted cashews.

This recipe is very versatile. You can use veggies and fresh herbs you already have on hand. In addition, the pantry-friendly curry dressing pairs well with a variety of salads, roasted veggies, and grain bowls.

The best part about this Curry Couscous recipe is you don't need to turn the stove on to make it. Simply reconstitute the couscous with kettle-boiled water for 5 minutes!

Plus, this recipe is a balanced meal, making it an ideal lunch or dinner. It's also great for potlucks, barbecues, and picnics.

This easy Curried Couscous recipe was inspired by my One-Pot Moroccan Couscous with Chickpeas, as well as this Easy Grain Bowls recipe.

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👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients
🫑 Substitutions
📖 How to Make Curried Couscous
💡 Experts Tips
🍽 Recipe FAQs
🍽 Related Recipes
👩🏽‍🍳 Made This Recipe?
Curried Couscous
💬 Comments

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Green peas, chickpeas, couscous, parsley, cilantro, red onion, cashews, red bell pepper, grated carrots, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, spices, olive oil, and lemon juice in white bowls on a gray table.

Moroccan couscous is a grain, made from semolina (coarsely ground durum wheat). It comes steamed and dried. Therefore, it is quick cooking. Simply reconstitute in boiling liquid before consuming. Choose whole wheat couscous for a healthier, fiber-rich option.
Lemon zest adds a citrusy tang that complements the curry flavor in the couscous delectably.
Green peas and chickpeas add a decent amount of plant-based protein and fiber to this dish.
Raw cashews are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Roast them with maple and chia seeds for a hint of sweetness and additional crunch.

See the recipe card for quantities.

🫑 Substitutions

Red onion - use shallots or green onion instead as desired
Cashews - substitute with peanuts, or almonds, or omit them for nut-free
Couscous - Israeli (pearl) couscous also works for this Curry Couscous recipe. Or make it with gluten-free quinoa instead.
Green peas - add golden raisins instead for a hint of sweetness or omit the peas entirely
Bell pepper - use any color bell pepper or a different crunchy vegetable
Cilantro and parsley - Omit as desired, or substitute with herbs you have on hand. Fresh mint or thyme, as well as dried oregano, cilantro, or parsley all pair well with this Curry Couscous.
For a spicier dish - add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the curry dressing

For another easy weeknight meal, try this nut-free, gluten-free Creamy Butter Beans recipe. For more easy and healthy salads, visit my Vegan Salad Recipes page.

📖 How to Make Curried Couscous

Preheat the oven to 350ºF if making the maple chia roasted cashews.

Roasted cashews coated with chia seeds on a white baking tray with a gray silicone metal spatula.

Step 1. Optional: Toss the cashews with maple syrup, chia seeds, and cayenne in a small bowl. Then transfer them to a lined baking sheet, and roast until they are golden brown.

Cooked couscous in a glass bowl beside a green silicone cover.

Step 2. Transfer the couscous to a heatproof bowl. Add 1 ½ cups boiled water. Cover and steam for 5 minutes, before fluffing with a fork.

Step 3. Mix the lemon juice, zest, curry powder turmeric, black pepper, olive oil, and garlic in a small bowl or shake in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Add maple and salt to taste.

Couscous in a white oval platter with herbs, chopped bell pepper, green peas, chickpeas, carrots, curry dressing, red onion, and maple roasted cashews.

Step 4. Transfer the couscous, chickpeas, green peas, bell pepper, carrots, red onion, cilantro, and parsley. Add the desired amount of dressing and mix to combine. Top Curried Couscous with cashews for serving.

Curried Couscous in a white bowl with cashews, carrots, bell pepper, chickpeas, red onion, cilantro, and parsley.

💡 Experts Tips

For rehydrating the couscous: Use recently boiled water for rehydrating the couscous, along with a heat-proof bowl with a tight-fitting cover. Or use a regular saucepan and lid instead.
To take the sharp bite out of the red onion, soak the chopped onion in water for 10 minutes.
Toss the cashews frequently, and keep a close eye on them so they do not burn.
Roast the chickpeas (optional): Toss the chickpeas with olive oil and salt, and roast them in a single layer at the same time as the cashews for even more texture.
Storage: Refrigerate any remaining dressing for up to 5 days. Refrigerate leftover Curried Couscous in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

🍽 Recipe FAQs

What is the difference between Moroccan and Israeli couscous?

Moroccan couscous and Israeli (or pearl) couscous are both made from semolina wheat flour. However, Moroccan couscous is a smaller grain, and cooks in just 5 minutes. Whereas Israeli couscous is larger and more chewy in texture and takes about 10 minutes to cook.
Moroccan couscous is commonly used in stews and tagines and is often served with vegetables, meats, or fish. Israeli couscous is often used in salads, or as a substitute for pasta in dishes like risotto or pilaf. This Curried Couscous recipe is made with Moroccan couscous.

Which is healthier: couscous or quinoa?

Quinoa has some clear advantages in that it is a complete protein, it can be part of a gluten-free diet, and it has double the fiber, which helps keep you feeling fuller for longer. However, couscous can certainly be a part of a healthful diet, especially when combined with other nutrient-dense foods like in this couscous salad. Use whole-wheat Moroccan couscous for more fiber.

What is a gluten-free substitute for couscous?

Riced cauliflower, short-grain rice, sorghum, quinoa, and millet are gluten-free and may work in place of couscous in many dishes.

🥕 Try my 5-Minute, 4-Ingredient Raw Carrot Salad for a healthy and delicious low-calorie snack.

👩🏽‍🍳 Made This Recipe?

Share your Curried Couscous creation with me on Instagram. It makes my day to see you recreate my recipes. I would love it if you would ⭐️ rate this recipe and leave a comment. Thank you in advance.

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