Couscous Pulav

Here's a desi twist to an international dish.
Couscous is a made with semolina wheat and then usually coated with finely ground wheat flour. I got mine at Trader Joes – the whole wheat version.

This is truly a quick dish to make and super tasty to eat! And the perks are that it is a food that is high in fiber and protein and really low in fat! What’s not to eat then? It is also a very light meal – perfect for dinners.

I’ve used a whole array of vegetables in here- use all the veggies you like! You could also paneer to this to make it even more delicious! I’m thinking of that for the next time I make this.

Ingredients check in –

Whole Wheat Couscous – or any other variety really

Vegetable Broth – if you don’t have it or can’t find it, make your own or substitute with water

Butter or Ghee – 1 tsp

Assorted Vegetables of your choice

Pulav Masala, Salt, Red chilli powder and turmeric – to taste

To begin with – chop all the veggies you are using into small pieces. I used red onions, green beans, carrots, peas and corn in here. You could also add bell peppers or broccoli, cauliflower etc.

 

I happened to have vegetable broth at home and thought that would be a little bit more nutritious and flavorful than just plain water to add to the couscous. If you don’t have veggie broth, just add plain water – that works just fine.

For about 2 cups of couscous, take about 2 ¼ cups of broth or water. Bring the broth to a boil in a small saucepan separately. Add 1 small tsp of butter or ghee to this.

 

In a wide pan, add about 1 tsp of oil. Add some cumin, chopped green chilli and chopped ginger and fry for a couple of mins. Then, add the onions and sauté for a min. When the onions turn translucent, add the other mixed vegetables. Now, add salt, red chilli powder, turmeric and about 1 tsp of biriyani powder or pulav masala. That gives us the desi kick! Cook the veggies for about 3-4 mins – don’t overcook the veggies.

 

When the veggies are done, switch off the stove and add the 2 cups of couscous to the veggies. Give it a quick stir.

 

Now, add the boiling broth or water to this and cover immediately. Let this just sit for about 10 – 15 mins.

 

You got 15 mins – go do something…I gave my daughter a quick shower! You could do something more fun!

15 mins are up…come on back here!

When you open the lid and take a look at this couscous…you get magically transported to Morocco… do a little belly dance …and then a little bollywood dance, because we do have the desi factor in here!

 

Fluff the couscous with a fork – you will see how light it is. Like they want to fly away and the veggies are holding them back. Can’t let them get away…

 

Enjoy hot on a plate.

 

For all you out there who have not tried couscous…please do it for me – at least once. And then I’m sure you will be hooked to this. Doesn’t this just look delicious? Don’t you want to eat some? So, just make it. And let me know how it turns out.

Enjoy! Peace Out!