SPICED MOROCCAN COUSCOUS BOWL
A spiced Moroccan couscous bowl is a fragrant, nutrient-rich dish inspired by the bold flavours of North African cuisine. Light and fluffy couscous forms the base, while chickpeas add a satisfying protein boost. Sweet raisins provide a natural contrast to the spice of harissa dressing, creating a perfect balance of savoury, sweet and mildly spicy elements. This dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for meal prep, busy weeknights, or a nutritious lunch. The combination of fibre, plant-based protein, and complex carbohydrates ensures lasting energy while offering a comforting yet light dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome vegetarian meal or a base to build on with additional proteins, this Moroccan-inspired bowl delivers rich textures and flavours in every bite. It’s a simple, flavourful and nourishing way to enjoy the essence of Moroccan cooking.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Lunch, Dinner
SERVING SIZE
1 serving
CUISINE
Moroccan, North African
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Steam, Simmer, No-Cook
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Healthy Eating, Meal Prep, Ramadan, Light Lunch, Comfort Food
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, High Fibre, Vegetarian, Vegan, Quick & Easy
DISH TYPE
Grain Bowl
INGREDIENTS
Here are the ingredients we used to prepare the Spiced Moroccan Couscous Bowl:
- 50g cooked couscous
- 40g cooked chickpeas
- 10g raisins
- 1 tbsp spiced harissa dressing
- ½ tsp ground cumin (optional, for extra warmth)
- ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional, for depth of flavour)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander (optional, for garnish)
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fibre: 8g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Sugar: 6g
PREPARATION
The preparation steps for the Spiced Moroccan Couscous Bowl are as follows:
- Prepare The Couscous: Cook couscous according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and let it cool slightly.
- Warm The Chickpeas: If using canned chickpeas, rinse and drain them. Lightly heat in a pan for 2-3 minutes with a sprinkle of cumin and cinnamon for extra flavour.
- Soften The Raisins: Soak raisins in warm water for 5 minutes to plump them up before draining.
- Assemble The Bowl: Place cooked couscous in a serving bowl. Add the chickpeas and raisins on top.
- Drizzle With Harissa Dressing: Pour the spiced harissa dressing over the ingredients for a rich, smoky flavour.
- Garnish And Serve: Sprinkle fresh coriander for a fragrant finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
5 minutes
TIPS
Here are the valuable tips for Spiced Moroccan Couscous Bowl:
- Fluff The Couscous: Use a fork to separate grains after cooking for the perfect light and airy texture.
- Enhance The Flavour: Toast the couscous in a dry pan before cooking to bring out a nuttier taste.
- Balanced Sweetness: Adjust the amount of raisins to control the sweetness level.
- Extra Protein: Add a handful of toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds for more texture and protein.
- Spicy Variation: Mix extra harissa into the chickpeas for a stronger kick.
VARIATIONS
- High-Protein Option: Add grilled halloumi, tofu, or tempeh for an extra protein boost.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace couscous with cauliflower rice for a lighter alternative.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for added texture.
- Citrus Twist: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the bowl for a zesty touch.
- Creamier Texture: Stir in a dollop of Greek yoghurt or tahini for extra richness.
- Extra Greens: Toss in baby spinach or arugula for a more nutrient-dense meal.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep harissa dressing separate until ready to serve.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked couscous and chickpeas separately for up to 1 month. Raisins and dressing are best stored fresh.
- Reheating: Warm couscous and chickpeas in the microwave for 1-2 minutes before serving.
- Meal Prep Tip: Prepare ingredients ahead of time and store in portioned containers for quick, grab-and-go meals.