Mediterranean Couscous and Beans

Vegetarian
Health score
20%
Mediterranean Couscous and Beans
20 min.
4
517kcal

Suggestions

The Mediterranean region is renowned for its vibrant, flavorful cuisine, and this Mediterranean Couscous and Beans recipe is a delightful testament to that. This vegetarian dish is a hearty and healthy option, perfect for those seeking a balanced meal that's both satisfying and delicious. With a blend of aromatic spices, plump raisins, and the satisfying texture of couscous and chickpeas, it's a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean.

The preparation begins with the broth, which forms the base of the dish. Vegetable or chicken broth can be used, depending on your preference or dietary needs. Bringing it to a boil is the first step in infusing the dish with flavor. Once the broth is ready, the couscous is added, along with the raisins, pepper, and a hint of cayenne for a subtle kick. This mixture is then left to stand, allowing the couscous to absorb the flavorful broth and plump up.

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. The small, chopped tomatoes add a burst of freshness and color, while the chickpeas provide a hearty, protein-rich element. Together, they create a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. The crumbled feta cheese, sprinkled on top, adds a tangy, salty finish, bringing all the elements together in perfect harmony.

This Mediterranean couscous is a versatile dish, ideal for a quick lunch or a more substantial dinner. With a calorie count of 517 per serving, it's a nutritious option that won't leave you feeling heavy. Whether you're a vegetarian or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire. It's a dish that celebrates the essence of Mediterranean cooking, where fresh, high-quality ingredients are allowed to shine in a symphony of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

  • cups vegetable stock (from 32-oz carton)
  • cups couscous uncooked
  • 0.5 cup currants 
  • 0.3 teaspoon pepper 
  • 0.1 teaspoon ground pepper red (cayenne)
  • 0.5 cup tomatoes chopped
  • 15 oz garbanzo beans rinsed drained canned (garbanzo beans)
  • 0.3 cup feta cheese crumbled

Equipment

  • sauce pan

Directions

  1. Heat broth to boiling in 3-quart saucepan. Stir in remaining ingredients except cheese; remove from heat.
  2. Cover and let stand about 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed; stir gently.
  3. Sprinkle each serving with cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Calories517kcal
Protein14.52%
Fat9.37%
Carbs76.11%

Properties

Glycemic Index
76.08
Glycemic Load
49.25
Inflammation Score
-6
Nutrition Score
17.07304344877%

Flavonoids

Naringenin
0.13mg
Kaempferol
0.02mg
Myricetin
0.02mg
Quercetin
0.11mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:516.8kcal
25.84%
Fat:5.41g
8.32%
Saturated Fat:2g
12.53%
Carbohydrates:98.76g
32.92%
Net Carbohydrates:88.69g
32.25%
Sugar:13.21g
14.68%
Cholesterol:11.13mg
3.71%
Sodium:1160.41mg
50.45%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:18.84g
37.69%
Manganese:1.67mg
83.53%
Fiber:10.07g
40.27%
Vitamin B6:0.72mg
36.05%
Phosphorus:296.89mg
29.69%
Copper:0.45mg
22.34%
Magnesium:77.98mg
19.49%
Vitamin B3:3.69mg
18.45%
Vitamin B5:1.54mg
15.4%
Vitamin B1:0.23mg
15.35%
Iron:2.73mg
15.16%
Potassium:491.35mg
14.04%
Calcium:137.94mg
13.79%
Folate:52.56µg
13.14%
Vitamin B2:0.22mg
12.87%
Vitamin A:639.09IU
12.78%
Zinc:1.91mg
12.75%
Selenium:4.14µg
5.91%
Vitamin C:3.55mg
4.31%
Vitamin B12:0.21µg
3.52%
Vitamin K:2.55µg
2.42%
Vitamin E:0.16mg
1.09%